Typically, people sequentially experience periods of mania and depression. This alternation of mania and depression is called bipolar disorder (a condition previously known as manic-depressive disorder). The swings between highs and lows may occur a few days apart or may alternate over a period of years. In addition, in bipolar disorder, periods of depression are usually longer than periods of mania.
Bipolar Disorder known as manic-depressive illness. A serious illness that causes shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function. Dramatic mood swings can move from “high” feelings of extreme euphoria or irritability to depression, sometimes with periods of normal moods in between. Manic episodes may include such behaviors as prolonged periods without sleep or uncontrolled shopping. Each episode of mania or depression can last for hours, weeks or several months.
Bipolar disorder is a disorder in which a person's mood swings between the opposite poles of MANIA and DEPRESSION. A more modern way of describing the traditional manic-depressive categorisation.