Alternating between the darkest peaks of depression and the highest peaks of mania, Hamlet was accused of being melancholic and even mad. But, nowadays, it would be recognized that Hamlet suffered from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder in which the sufferer goes back and forth between episodes of mania and depression (Basile). Then, in the present day, Hamlet would be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and it was one of his manic episodes that ultimately led to his death. Hamlet shows signs of depression since the death of his father. At the beginning of Hamlet, Hamlet is mourning the death of his father and resents his new father, Claudius. Hamlet says: “She is married. Oh, wicked speed in posting / With such dexterity towards incestuous sheets! / It is not, it cannot fail. / But break me, my heart, for I must hold my tongue” (I.ii.158-161. ). Hamlet is unable to emerge from his depressive state due to his ongoing resentment towards Claudius. Hamlet now not only detests his new father, but also his mother for remarrying so quickly and to his father's brother, her late husband. Hamlet's mourning is prolonged and extreme as he continues to wear a dark wardrobe long after his father's death, unable to accept what has happened and move on with his life. Hamlet's depressive mood swings are a symptom of his bipolar disorder. According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders, mood swings associated with bipolar disorder range from mania (elevated or irritable mood) to depression (a mood characterized by loss of interest and sadness). Symptoms of a depressive episode include persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood and feelings of irritability, hopelessness, or negativity (Basile). lead to his death. Bipolar disorder was like a roller coaster ride for Hamlet. His life was unpredictable, full of wild twists and turns, dizzying heights and terrifying dives; there were brief periods where the ride was smooth and stable, but they didn't last long. He was simply tied up for the journey and couldn't get off until it was finished, and, for Hamlet, it wouldn't be finished until he died. Works Cited Basile, Maria. "Bipolar disorder." The Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders. Ed. Narins. 2nd ed. vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2005. 166-170. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Network. May 3, 2014."Bipolar disorder." NIMH RSS. Np, nd Web. 03 May 2014.Caruso, Kevin. "Bipolar disorder and suicide". - Suicide.org! Np, nd Web. 04 May 2014.Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2009. Print.