What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. This condition is also called manic-depressive illness or manic depression. Both men and women can have bipolar disorder. People of all ages can have it.
Are there different kinds of bipolar disorder?
Yes. There are several different kinds of bipolar disorder. Which kind you have depends on how quickly you move from manic episodes to depression and back again, as well as how severe your symptoms are.
Source
Management of Bipolar Disorder by KS Griswold, M.D., M.P.H. and LF Pessar, M.D. (American Family Physician September 15, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000915/1343.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 11/10
Created: 09/00