Introduction Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by intermittent moods and fitful energy levels thus affecting the ability of the patient to function normally. The disorder affects the neurons in the brain, hence causing uncoordinated functions of the brain. The functions of the brain rely upon the intermittent moods of depression and mania that characterize the disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) observes that, “manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes the desire and will to live … brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently, suicide” (2002). The disorder mostly affects adults although some cases in children occur due to the inheritable nature of the disorder. Prevalence studies by the American Psychiatric Association shows that, approximately 1.5% of the American adults suffer from bipolar disorder. Given the fact that the disorder is long-term, proper handling mechanisms is paramount to both the patients and health professionals. This essay explores the nature of the bipolar disorder and its management. Signs and symptoms The bipolar disorder causes periodic episodes of depression and mania in patients. The intermittent depressive and manic episodes affect the physical and psychological functions of the patients causing them to have abnormal behaviors. During the depressive episode, the patient experiences low moods and loss of interests in the daily activities. The signs and symptoms of depressive episode include anxiety, feeling of helplessness, loss of pleasure in activities, fatigue, petulance, sleep disturbance, suicidal feelings, and chronic pain amongst other clinical symptoms. “In severe cases, the individual may become psychotic, a condition also known as severe bipolar depression with psychotic features such as delusions or, less commonly, hallucinations, usually unpleasant” (Grier, & Wilkins, 2007, p.2). The state of severe bipolar depression may last for about two weeks to several months in adults but in children, it may take several hours to days. Patients at the depressive episode have low mood and energy to perform usual activities. During the manic episode, the patient experiences high mood with high energy levels in the body that results into increased body activity. The signs and symptoms of the manic episode include increased activity, extreme irritability, high energy levels, little sleep, aggressive, poor judgment and distractibility amongst other symptoms. If these signs and symptoms occur daily for a period of two weeks, then the patient is in the manic episode. The activity of the patient is due to the high energy levels that the body generates. At some instances, patient may experience moderate effects of mania referred to as hypomania ; “ Hypomania may feel good to the person who experiences it and may even be associated with good functioning and enhanced productivity … ” (Simeonova, & Chang, 2005, p.5). Apart from depressive and manic episodes, a patient can also experience mixed episodes of the bipolar disorder and this complicates the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the disorder. Causes of the Disorder Scientists have discovered that a bipolar disorder occurs due to the combination of diffe