Bipolar disorder is a combination of depression and manic or hypomanic episodes.
Diagnosis of Bipolar I is given when the depression is mixed with manic episodes, Bipolar II is when the depression is mixed with hypomanic episodes. It usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood. The way bipolar disorder works is the person cycles through manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. If you or a loved one suffers from these symptoms you should seek professional help immediately. Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that can be relatively well controlled with careful medical attention.