What is bipolar affective disorder?

Bipolar: Is a mood disorder characterized by swings from highs (mania or hypo mania) to lows (depression).

Mania and depression: The most prominent characteristic of bipolar disorder is mania characterized by impulsivity and decreased need for sleep. Most people also have depressive episodes with decreased interest, motivation and energy with feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, thoughts of death and suiciide. It is important to consult with a psychiatrist.

Bipolar: Bipolar I and bipolar II, In the first, manic phases are more severe, and in the second, depressive phases are more severe. There is also cyclothymia which is a low grade version of bipolar disorder in general, where mood swings are not as severe in either direction, manic or depressive.