Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a disorder of mood or affect that affects children and adolescents as well as adults. The usual pattern of bipolar disorder is one of increasing intensity and duration of symptoms that progresses slowly over many years. However, symptoms and severity may vary significantly between individuals.
Bipolar disorder can be severe and long-term, or it can be mild with infrequent episodes.
Bipolar disorder can have significant consequences on an individual's life. Impaired thinking and judgement can lead to poor decision making and impulsiveness. This can have disastrous effects on one's physical and sexual health, and financial and social wellbeing. Treatment of Bipolar Disorder consists of a combination of medication and other forms of therapy. Several promising new treatments are currently under investigation.