What is bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of extreme mood swings, which range from mania to depression. Bipolar disorder is thought to affect 1 in every 100 adults at some time during their life. It used to be called Manic Depression and in clinical practice it is sometimes called Bipolar Affective Disorder.
Onset of the illness can result from periods of prolonged stress or a traumatic experience. In women onset can occur during or following pregnancy or menopause. The risk of being bipolar increases if you have relatives with the condition.
