A bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition that is
characterized by alternating cycles of changes in mood. These mood changes can be
severe, the mood may shift from an extreme high (manic) to an extreme low
(depression).
Manic behavior is due to an abnormally
elevated mood and may include inappropiate elation, severe insomnia, and increased
irritability. Poor social judgment is common. All behaviors are amplified in mania. For
example, if the person drinks, they will drink way too much. If the person goes
shopping, they will spend way too much and often will write bad checks for the
purchases. The person knows they don't have the funds to cover the purchases but they do
it anyway.
Depression is hallmarked by periods of extreme
sadness, the loss of interest in normal activities, and thoughts of despair and
worthlessness.
The mood may change from day to day or the
person may be depressed for a couple of days then revert back to manic behavior and stay
in a manic state for several days.
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