Bipolar Disorder used to be known as 'manic depression' because the person experiences periods of depression and periods of mania, with periods of normal mood in between. The disorder is characterised by cycling mood changes. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but usually they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of depression. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, over-talkative, and have a great deal of energy.Bipolar Disorder is characterised by more than one Bipolar episode and seems to be most closely linked to family history. Stress and conflict can trigger episodes for people with this condition and it's not uncommon for Bipolar Disorder to be misdiagnosed as depression, alcohol or drug abuse, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or schizophrenia.