Bipolar affective disorder is commonly known as "manic depression". It can often be characterized by the episodes of depression in which one's mood is abnormally low. If one is experiencing mania or hypomania their mood is abnormally elevated with a heightened mental and often physical activity. There is often times when an individual will be able to experience normal moods. This is a very serious condition but it can be helped with the proper treatment.

Bipolar affective disorder may make one feel down or depressed with normal everyday life. The depressive moods will worsen , and go on for longer periods of time making it hard for an individual to deal with their daily life.

Manic depression can vary in time. An individual may experience very abnormal emotions. It has been known that the one suffering loses contact with reality and starts to believe in strange things or experience poor judgment and behavior that is quiet embarrassing. This can be very harmful and dangerous.

These episodes may be accompanied by:

Unusual confidence

Needing less sleep

More talkative

Racing thoughts

Distraction

Unusual restless or active

Problems at home; work; or school

Depressive symptoms

Bipolar affective disorder not only affects men, but it can also affect women equally. Even people in higher social classes are just as prone as low class individual's. It has been determined that the humans will suffer from bipolar affective disorder at some point in one's life.

Stressful events; illness; or a lack of support can trigger an episode of bipolar affective disorder. Also you will find that differences in one's genes can make one more vulnerable than others to develop bipolar affective disorder.

Often an individual may experience one or more episodes and never be ill again. There are others that are persistently experiencing the symptoms of depression or mania. They are quick to move from one extreme to another. Individual's can suffer nine or more episodes in one's life time.

Often treatment is carried out in a hospital. Mood stabilizers such as lithium are often used to prevent mania and depression.It is important to treat them when they occur.

Antidepressant drugs such as Prozac are often used to treat depressive episodes.

Neuroleptics are tranquilizers that are used to treat the manic depression.

Family and friends often play an important role in helping their loved ones in recovering. Often , psychological therapies and cognitive behavioral therapy is used.

It is very helpful in recognizing the early signs of this illness and to seek immediate treatment.