Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness is a serious mood disorder that affects 1-2% of the population. The condition is called 'bipolar' disorder, because the person's mood can alternate between 'two poles' of extreme mood states from mania 
(highs) to depression (lows). During the manic episode people are overly happy or irritable while during the depressive episode they feel very sad and hopeless. In between episodes people may have normal moods. The changes in mood or 'mood swings' can last for hours, days, weeks or months. In contrast to the normal 'ups and downs' in healthy persons, these mood swings can be severe and life threatening and interfere with normal, healthy functioning.
Go to our special website about Bipolar Disorder where you can find lots of useful information.
