Bipolar disorder manifests itself through severe high and low mood swings. The manic stage of the condition is the high, whereas the depressive stage refers to the low. The identification of the condition as soon as possible is important to individuals as there is a possibility that it can be effectively treated.

A person afflicted with bipolar disorder was once said to be manic depressive. That term is not used as often to describe the disorder nowadays, however. The disorder is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms are closely aligned to those of severe depression. In the manic stage, the patient may become overly excited and confident, or the patient could be irritable, angry, or experience rage.

Because of the dramatic mood swings, bipolar disorder becomes a problem for both the victim and their loved ones. To understand and accept the condition, the families require a great deal of tolerance, patience and to be able to develop a very thick skin. The best way to mentally deal with a loved one is to remember that they are still the same person they always were.

To be able to disassociate the victim from the disease would be the absolute goal, although this would be extremely difficult. To be able to categorize the victims behavior into that which is normal, and that which is a byproduct of the disorder would strengthen families and support people to continue with their support.

The disorder cannot be cured, but rather treated, and is a lifelong condition. A strong connection appears to exist between the incidence of bipolar disorder in individuals from affected biological parents. There may, in fact be a genetic link between child and parent.

Another name given to the disorder is manic depressive illness, and it is an illness which has significant psychological, social and interpersonal impact on the sufferer and their families. It usually strikes before the age of 35, frequently in the late teens and early 20s.

According to statistics, over two million Americans have the condition, which is mainly classed as a mental illness affecting moods and attitude. This makes it extremely difficult for a victims loved ones to deal with, and can be responsible for the breakdown of families due to the condition remaining undiagnosed.

The mis diagnosis often occurs because patients suffering with bipolar disorder may spend more time in the depressive stage than in the manic stage. Although it can be difficult to accurately diagnose, the condition is said by authorities to be treatable.

There is little evidence to show that it can be prevented. However, seeking early treatment and maintaining a stable course of therapy can help bipolar patients to maintain an uninterrupted lifestyle.

It is important for people to educate themselves about bipolar disorder, especially if they have a history of mental illness in their families. Its differentiation from non-bipolar depression is absolutely essential as the wrong treatment for this condition may actually worsen the course of the disorder.