Bipolar illness or disorder was diagnosed with the name manic disorder or manic depression. It is a mental condition that can be quite dangerous and usually leads to very risky behavior. Many experience relationship destruction, career difficulties, and perhaps even suicide or suicidal tendencies. During the different episodes of bipolar depression, many behavioral changes are noted. During a manic phase, there may be periods of speaking rapidly, jumping from one idea to another, or becoming easily distracted. On the other hand, during a manic-depressive episode, a person may find themselves excessively tired and have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. You may also experience a change in eating or sleeping habits. These are all normal and natural reactions for people with bipolar disorder. They can range from mild to severe and all require different treatment methods to stabilize them. What is bipolar? Most people diagnosed with bipolar disorder are those who first experience depression. Some of the most common symptoms of depression are: decreased energy and/or tiredness, difficulty making decisions, remembering details and concentrating, pessimism, hopelessness, restlessness or irritability, feeling helpless, guilty or useless, interruption or change in sleeping habits, loss of appetite or overeating, various pains that are not relieved with treatment. There are also other symptoms, but these are among those most commonly found in people suffering from depression. Any action or expression of suicide or suicidal thoughts should not be taken lightly by anyone, but especially by those experiencing other symptoms of depression. They should be urged... middle of paper... types of medications, such as lithium, that are reliable and well tolerated by most patients. Atypical antipsychotics: Newer, more expensive drugs for patients suffering from bipolar disorder. They provide a wider range of symptom relief, but are also known to cause a wider range of side effects. Psychotherapy – helps keep the person with bipolar disorder more stable and helps prevent relapses. As you can see, this is a complex disorder. However, by following a plan developed specifically for the patient, life can return to "normal" relatively quickly. Important factors to remember are to continue taking all prescribed medications, bipolar is a lifelong disorder, and with the help and understanding of friends and family, anyone diagnosed with bipolar disorder can feel like a completely different person in very little time..