More and more people are being diagnosed with emotional and mental conditions. One such condition is called bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder. The symptoms are many and are different for each person. However, they include mood swings and varying levels of severity.

Much depends on the type or sub-type of the disorder in question. No matter which sub-type you or someone you know is diagnosed with, there is no question that there will be mood swings that will range from levels of extreme highs to those of extreme lows. When the person is in the depressive state, he or she will experience disinterest in activities, will feel sad, or what have you. However, when in the high state, there is feeling of enthusiasm and high levels of energy.

For some who suffer from this condition, the symptoms can be quite frequent, occurring many times each day. For others, they may experience them only once or a few times over the course of a year. Still, there are others who experience what is known as a mixed episode. This is where both highs and lows are felt at the same time.

Seeing a doctor is necessary and crucial. There will be psychotherapy and medication involved in the treatment plan. But, both will help to keep mood swings in check.

One of the sub-types, Bipolar I can be dangerous because of the levels of highs and lows felt by the individual. Whatever the case or the diagnosis, life will be changed. This condition interferes with everything from personal relationships to business relationships. Bipolar II is known as the disorder that is similar to the latter, but leaves the individual in the depressed state for much longer and the manic state is more manageable. Cyclothymia is the form that is the mildest on both ends of the pole.

The manic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, regardless of which sub-type include: altered and aggressive behavior, increased irritability, speed with regards to speech and thoughts, chance of using drugs and alcohol, euphoria; and a decline or decrease in amount of sleep, presence and performance at work, concentration. There are still many other symptoms that can be experienced as well.

The depressive state has similar symptoms and others as well. For instance, anxiety, change in appetite, frequent thoughts of suicide, chronic fatigue, constantly feeling blue or sad, guilty, etc. Other symptoms include problems with sleep, concentration, performance at work as well as absences, and more.

In addition to the symptoms previously mentioned, certain seasons can also affect certain individuals. For example, certain people may experience more episodes during particular seasons and less at other times of the year. Quite often, someone who has manic episodes in the summer and the springtime will won’t feel depressed until fall or winter, for example. It can be completely different for others as the above is simply used as an example and is not a rule.

Furthermore, there are people who become completely detached from life and reality. They experience bouts of hallucinations and can’t tell reality apart from things they hear or see in their minds. This is a form of psychosis associated with bipolar disorder.