You may have heard the term “manic depression” and wondered if it is the same as bipolar disorder. Manic depression was the term originally used to describe bipolar disorder. It was coined because of the condition’s two common mood states: mania and depression. Today, however, the medical community has learned much more about the condition. It affects more than just mood; it is a medical disorder that also has an impact on cognition, sleep, and physical well-being. Bipolar disorder is the medical diagnosis given to individuals experiencing this complex combination of symptoms.