It is remarkable how Falret's description of symptoms and hereditary factors are so similar to descriptions found in present day books and journals. Falret even encouraged physicians to diversify medications used in the treatment of manic-depressive illness in the hopes that one of them might one day discover an effective drug therapy. Switching from one mood to another is referred to as a mood swing.
Mood swings can be mild, moderate or severe and are accompanied by changes in thinking and behavior.
The course of the illness varied from patient to patient. Without treatment, the frequency and severity of this recurring illness can increase over the years.