Mania represents a persistent, profound elevation in mood far beyond that which is considered usual. When severe, it may be accompanied by hallucinations and distorted thinking, which can resemble symptoms of schizophrenia. Other symptoms can include increased speaking, flight of ideas, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility and over-involvement in high-risk activities (e.g. spending sprees, reckless driving).

Hypomania is similar to mania in that mood is unusually elevated. It is different in the degree of mood elevation, which is less and it is never accompanied by hallucinations.

Depression represents a persistent, profound depressed mood far beyond that which is considered usual. Symptoms of depression can include appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, mental slowing, restlessness, decreased interest in life, and guilt.

Mixed mania - depression represents a persistent profound elevation and depression of mood concurrently.

Diagnosing Bipolar (Manic-Depression) Disorder

Unfortunately, we have no single blood test, x-ray or brain scan from which we can then say with certainty: "Yes, that is bipolar disorder". To reach a diagnosis of the disease, other diagnosis and causes need to be ruled out. For example, the use of street drugs, like cocaine or LSD, can cause elevated mood and hallucinations.

Since presenting symptoms are very often the same as those seen in other illness such as major depression or schizophrenia, patients with bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed resulting in sub-optimal treatment.

To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a patient must currently be manic, or have been so in the past.. Criteria for mania include a distinct period of persistently elevated or irritable mood sufficient to cause harm or to result in hospitalization.

Treating Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depression)

Drugs are the cornerstone of treatment of bipolar disorder, just as they are the most important treatment for many physical diseases. They are not a cure, but are used to help control and prevent the emergence of the symptoms of the disease. Along with the medication, social therapy and rehabilitation are very important tools in the management of this disease.

Medications (called antipsychotics) are amongst the most effective tools for controlling mania. Medications (called antidepressants) are amongst the most effective tools for controlling depression. Medications called mood stabilizers (lithium and anticonvulsants) are often initiated with either the antipsychotic medication or antidepressant medication depending on the symptoms the person is having. Mood stabilizers not only help alleviate the manic and depressive symptoms, but more importantly can prevent episodes from recurring and can increase the period in which the person is well.