Some of the most popular figures in modern history- Winston Churchill, Edgar Allen Poe, Beethoven, Van Gogh and Isaac Newton – are believed to have suffered from it.  Yet, bipolar disorder is perhaps one of the most under-recognized of all mental illnesses.

Persons affected by bipolar disorder can swing from the highs of mania to the lows of depression. The symptoms are severe and different from the ups and downs that people normally experience. Because it is often not recognized as an illness, affected individuals may suffer for years before it is diagnosed and treated.

What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a serious mental disorder marked by radically opposite states of mood. These moods may occur in phases, also called episodes.

The manic episode is typically marked by feelings of grandiosity or heightened self-esteem. People experiencing this phase may seem to be in a “high”. They may be unusually energetic, have little need for sleep, may talk excitedly, get easily distracted, and often recklessly pursue pleasurable activities.

In contrast, the depression episode is marked by intense sadness, dejection, lack of energy, apathy and lack of interest in pleasurable activities. 

Typically, between both episodes, there may not be any symptoms.

Causes
According to experts, a combination of factors may be responsible for causing bipolar disorder.

Genetic: Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a family history of the condition.

Identifying signs of clinical depression