Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, historically known as manic-depressive illness, is characterized by cycling mood changes between extreme lows and highs. Some people, however, may experience manic phases without suffering from depressed periods. Manic symptoms include a distinct period of at least one week with an excessively elevated mood, irritability, grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, increased talking, flight of ideas, distractibility, excessive risk-taking, and impulsive spending and sexual activity. The severity, number, and clustering of symptoms vary with each individual.