Episodes of mood swings, depressive mania, sleep and weight problems are just some of the symptoms to mention. There are more than 3 million cases of this disorder per year in the United States. A disorder that can last a lifetime and, nevertheless, is also a common disorder; There is no specific treatment for this condition, only one that helps and does not cure. It is a genetic disease that can bring changes to the structure of the brain and in which chemistry can play a role. Many mood episodes that could last days or even months, sometimes suicidal thoughts. You may also have low energy and motivation or high energy and loss of interest in activities. There are people suffering from this disorder which plays an important role in their life. Manic-depressive or mostly known as bipolar disorder, a brain disorder that causes changes in mood, energy and daily activities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay There are four types of bipolar disorder, each of which changes a person's mood, ranging from extremely "up" and energetic behaviors (manic episodes) to very depressed periods (depressive episodes). Hypomanic episodes are less severe manic periods. The first type is bipolar 1 disorder, defined by manic episodes that last 5-7 days and depressive episodes that can last up to two weeks. The symptoms are so severe that the person would need immediate hospital treatment. Having depression and manic episodes at the same time is possible but also very dangerous. Patients would think of committing suicide. The second type is bipolar II disorder, defined by depressive and hypomanic episodes. It is not as serious as bipolar 1, but it could become serious if the person suffering from this disorder is not monitored properly. Cyclothymic disorder is the third type in which a person has numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive episodes. Symptoms could last up to two years at a time or a year in children. However, the symptoms of the disorder do not meet the diagnostic requirements. The last of the bipolar disorders falls under the category Other specified and unspecified and related disorders, which are basically symptoms that do not match the other three categories listed and are defined as bipolar disorder. Many patients with bipolar disorder experience periods of intense emotions, changes in sleep and activity levels, and unusual behaviors. Mood episodes present as distinct periods that dramatically change mood and behavior. People with manic episodes may experience many signs and symptoms such as feeling “high” or euphoric. Many people have a lot of energy and increase their activity level. Many have trouble sleeping, which makes people restless or nervous and feel like their thoughts are racing through their mind. Many people with depressive episodes feel sad, empty, even lonely. They have little energy and decrease activities during the day. They may have difficulty sleeping or sleep too much, which causes them to have difficulty concentrating and feel like they can't enjoy anything. Many people with depression may think about dying or even attempt suicide. Sometimes mood episodes include both manic and depressive symptoms called mixed features. Bipolar disorder may be present even when mood swings are less extreme, but during a hypomanic episode an individual may feel functioning and be productive. The individual usually has no sense that anything is wrong, but family or friends may pick up on mood swings and changes in the disorder.