What is the definition or description of: bipolar disorder?

Mood cycling d/o: The lay term is manic depression. It is a mood cycling condition in which a person has periods of elevated mood & energy, little sleep, racing thoughts & grandiose ideas. The person may engage in risky behaviors, spend a lot or work a lot. These episodes alternate w/ periods of depression for at least 2 wks. The duration & severity of the manic sx determines the type of bipolar d/o.

Long answer: Long answer. Need to refer you to a comprehensive website. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder a detailed booklet that describes bipolar disorder symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping.

Bipolar 1: Is a mood disorder characterized by at least 1 manic or mixed episode, with history of 1 or more major depressive episode. It is a type of manic depression. It is not accounted for by schizoaffective disorder or superimposed on schizophrenic disorder, delusional disorder, or other psychotic disorders, or relates to medical illnesses or substances or toxins/medications.

Mood Disorder: Bipolar i disorder, classically and historically referred to as manic-depression. It is characterized by a manic episode of certain duration accompanied by racing thoughts, sleeplessness, excess energy, increased impulsiveness or irritability, taking on multple projects, and similar symptoms. A prior depressive episode is required. Bipolar ii involves shorter duration of manic symptoms.

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.