What is bipolar disorder? (source: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au)

Bipolar (mood) disorder used to be called manic depressive illness. The new name better describes the extreme mood swings - the highs and lows - that people with this illness suffer. People with bipolar mood disorder experience recurrent episodes of depressed and elated moods, which can range from mild to severe.

'Mania' or 'hypomania' is used to describe the states of extreme elation and overactivity. Common symptoms include:

• Feeling extremely high, happy and full of energy
• Reduced need to sleep
• Irritability - the person may be irritable with people who dismiss or do not agree with unrealistic plans or ideas
• Rapid thinking ('racing thoughts') and rapid speech
• Lack of inhibitions and a lack of insight - a person experiencing mania might notice other people question his/her behaviour but is unlikely to recognise that his/her behaviour is inappropriate
• Creativity
• Mystical experiences (seeing special connections between events, believing things have a special significance)

Some people may suffer psychotic symptoms during manic episodes. They may experience grandiose or persecutory delusions, or visual, auditory, tactile or other types of hallucinations.

At the other extreme of mania is depression. People lose interest and pleasure in activities they normally enjoy. They may become withdrawn and feel even simple tasks are too demanding. They are overwhelmed by a deep sadness, find it hard to concentrate and may experience feelings of guilt or hopelessness. Sometimes people are so depressed they attempt suicide.

It is believed that bipolar mood disorder is caused by a combination of factors, such as genetics, biochemistry (a chemical imbalance in the brain) and stress. The seasons also seem to have an impact, as mania is more common in spring and depression more common in early winter.