Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that describes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. This shifts are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.

Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. The deep mood swings of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months, causing great disturbances in the lives of those affected, and those of family and friends, too.