Manic depressive illness (or bipolar disorder) is a neurological brain disorder that affects 2.3 million Americans today, or approximately one percent of the population. While manic-depressive illness usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, it can sometimes start in early childhood or as late as age 40 or 50. Individuals diagnosed with manic-depressive illness, or bipolar disorder, have mood swings that alternate from periods of severe highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression).

There are screening tools on this site to detect symptoms of depression and mania. They can help identify whether you may have one of these illnesses. Take the results of the screening to your doctor and consult with him/her about a possible diagnosis. Mood disorders are illnesses that need treatment like any other illness. Early diagnosis is very important. Most treatment plans include a combination of medication, talk therapy, and support.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in mood, inciting episodes of both mania and depression. During the "manic" episodes, patients swing into an unrealistically "high" state of mind and momentarily lose touch with some realities. On the extreme end they may believe they have super powers, or to a lesser extent, shop vicariously for expensive items them don't need and usually can't afford. These episodes alternate with a depressive state.

Manic Depression is an older term for what is now more commonly called Bipolar Disorder. There is no other difference in the meaning.

First educate yourself on the symptoms of these illnesses. Then pick an appropriate time when you can quietly discuss your concerns with this person. Explain why you believe he or she should be screened for depression or bipolar disorder by comparing their behavior with the symptoms. Encourage them to seek help and resist the urge to function as a therapist. Reassure them that you are having this conversation because you care about them and want to help them feel better.

Depression and bipolar disorder can affect children and adolescents. Talk to your pediatrician if you believe your child is experiencing any symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder. Your pediatrician may be able to help or may recommend you consult with a professional who is experienced in treating these illnesses in children. Depression and bipolar disorder have symptoms similar to other illnesses (like ADHD and anxiety) so be sure your doctor screens your child for all possible conditions.

Different people are comfortable with sharing different amounts of information. Some people feel that it is unnecessary to inform their employers of their diagnosis. For other people, however, their diagnosis and the need for some sort of treatment accommodation have a significant impact on their job and they feel a need to inform their employer. If you decide to inform your employer, be prepared to do some educating.

Yes. The critical difference is that bipolar disorder should first be treated with a mood stabilizing medication. Since antidepressants can trigger a manic episode, they should generally be avoided until a mood stabilizer has been started. Only 3 mood stabilizers are currently approved by the food and drug administration for the treatment of mania: lithium; valproic acid (Depakote); and olanzapine (Zyprexa).

The medical profession seems to now group the symptoms of bi-polar moods (up = manic) and (down = depression) in the same wording as manic depression, which gives way to the general public tending to believe that someone with bi-polar mood swings must hallucinate, have violent tendencies and be absolutely insane. Not so! Doctors understand that there are varying levels of bi-polar disorder but when we use the word "manic depression" the general public gets scared.

Bipolar disorder (commonly referred to as manic-depression) is a major affective disorder in which an individual alternates between states of deep depression and extreme euphoria (mania).

A unipolar signal is zero based, such as: 0-10 Volts, 0-5 Volts, and 0-20 milliamps. A bipolar signal is negative as well as positive, such as: -10 to 10 Volts, -5 to 5 volts and -20 to 20 milliamps.

Another type of depressive disorder is manic-depressive illness, also called bipolar depression. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, manic depressive illness involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, you can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder.

People often have common questions about the basics of manic depression. These are some of the most commonly asked questions — and their answers — about manic depression (also known as bipolar disorder):

Family members may want to express their concern by describing the specific behaviors to that person in a nonjudgmental fashion. The person with the disorder is less able to dismiss the observation if there is a consensus among friends or family members that a distinctive pattern has emerged. the work site, violations of safety codes or negligence may need to be reported to supervisors so that the person can receive a medical evaluation before injury or disability occurs.