It may be helpful to think of the various mood states in manic-depressive illness as a spectrum or continuous range. In the other extreme, mania may be the main problem and depression may occur only infrequently. It seems as though my mind has slowed down and burned out to the point of being virtually useless. I am haunted with the desperate hopelessness of it all. Sensuality is pervasive, the desire to seduce and be seduced is irresistible.
Infectious humor ceases to amuse.
Recognition of the various mood states is essential so that the person who has manic-depressive illness can obtain effective treatment and avoid the harmful consequences of the disease, which include destruction of personal relationships, loss of employment, and suicide. Hypomania may feel good to the person who experiences it. Thus, even when family and friends learn to recognize the mood swings, the individual often will deny that anything is wrong. In its early stages, bipolar disorder may masquerade as a problem other than mental illness. For example, it may first appear as alcohol or drug abuse, or poor school or work performance.