What is bipolar mood disorder?
The word bipolar refers to the two extremes (poles) in the continuum of mood mania and depression. There are usually periods of normal mood between episodes of mania and depression. During a manic, high episode a person displays behaviour that is out of character. He/she may be overly happy and/or highly irritable, have boundless energy, go for days without sleeping and lose his/her inhibitions in social settings. People with mania may develop unrealistic beliefs in their capabilities that may impair their judgement, the result of which is engagement in foolish activities or projects which often lead them into financial or other difficulties. As a manic episode develops, there may be an increase in the use of alcohol or stimulants which may aggravate or prolong the episode. Typically a manic person denies that there is anything wrong or unusual with him/her. The changes in mood and behaviour are observable by others who know the person well. During the low phase the person is depressed
