Depression Associated with Bipolar Disorder

Most people with bipolar disorder experience bouts of mania (highly excitable mood), followed by depression – which can be mild or severe, depending on the nature of their bipolar disorder.

We all get excited by new ideas, pursue our goals with passion, have times when we want to party with our friends and enjoy life to its fullest. There will also be times when we are sad and withdraw into quiet contemplation or feel angry when things are not working out as planned.

For people with bipolar disorder, these normal emotions can become a roller coaster ride of wild highs and devastating lows. Moods are driven, not by the events of life, but by a force of their own. Bipolar disorder (previously called manic-depressive illness) is a medical condition that involves changes in brain function leading to dramatic mood swings. These mood swings can be so severe that they impair normal functioning at work, at school and in relationships.

Visit “What is Bipolar Disorder?” for a fuller discussion.