Bi polar and mood swings what is the difference between being bi polar and having severe mood swings?

There : There can be different causes for mood swings. For instance a woman who is pregnant or who has just had a baby might experience mood swings. Some one who has a borderline personality disorder may have mood swings. People who are bipolar experience mood swings. These are just a few examples. Mood swings are a symptom. Bipolar disorder is an actual medical condition. Normally people who have bipolar disorder have very marked up and downs, enough so that it really impacts their life. I hope this is helpful.

Bipolar definition: Bipolar disorder is diagnosed when an individual has episodes of depression and mood elevations ( episodes of mania or hypomania). Mood elevations include symptoms of elevated self esteem, high energy, decreased need to sleep, rapid speech, racing thoughts and out of character behaviors. Mood swings can be seen with many disorders, personality traits or stress.