Bipolar mood disorder is the new name for what was called manic depressive illness.
The new name is used as it better describes the extreme mood swings - from depression and sadness to elation and excitement - that people with this illness experience.
People with bipolar mood disorder experience recurrent episodes of depressed and elated moods. Both can be mild to severe.
The term 'mania' is used to describe the most severe state of extreme elation and overactivity.
Some people with bipolar disorder do not experience depressive episodes-only the episodes of elation and excitement.
More information on bipolar disorders can be found at the following websites:
Remember, you must seek professional help from a mental health professional, mental health service, your GP or health provider when problems arise.

