What is Bipolar Disorder?

In the past, it was known as manic-depression, a mood disorder. Although everyone
experiences highs and lows in their daily lives, people with bipolar disorder often experience intense mood swings, often not even related to what is happening in their day to day living. People with bipolar disorder experience chemical changes in their brain. Often genetics have something to do with bipolar disorder.

During the manic episodes, people often experience optimism, creativity, euphoria, much self-confidence, and a high energy level. Although this is often a very creative period with some bipolars, often it is a period of a total lack of self control, with some bipolars using alcohol and drugs to excess, getting involved with multiple sex partners, and other harmful behaviors.

This period of mania is often followed by a period of great depression. Often people
with manic depression experience loss of motivation, lack of enjoyment, less energy,
guilt and feeling of worthlessness, thoughts of death and suicide. Often people with bipolar attempt suicide, with many suceeding.

Most psychiatrists prescribe a battery of drugs to mange the mood swings.