Bipolar affective disorder is also known as manic depression or bipolar depression. The sufferer experiences marked mood swings which are beyond what most people experience. These extremes of mood may include the lows of depression as well as the highs of a very elated mood (known as mania). The number and frequency of these periods of depression and mania vary from person to person.

It is estimated that about 1 per cent of the population suffer from bipolar affective disorder at some point in their lives. Some people will experience just one or two episodes, whereas others will have many episodes of depression or mania.

symptoms of depression

These include:

• persistent low mood, with feelings of unhappiness
• losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable
• maybe feeling irritable, or appearing agitated
• finding it difficult to concentrate
• losing self-confidence and having low self-esteem
• having thoughts that life may not be worth living
• tiredness and disturbed sleep, often waking early in the morning

  feeling unrefreshed
• a disturbed appetite
• loss of interest in sex.

symptoms of mania

• An elevated mood, out of keeping with the individual's circumstances. Often the person will appear euphoric with an overwhelming sense of well-being and self-importance.
• Increased energy and overactivity.
• Increased speech, often rapid and louder than usual, which may be difficult for others to follow.
• A reduced need for sleep.
• Loss of inhibitions, which may lead to inappropriate and impulsive behaviour.
• Very grand, over-optimistic ideas and plans may be expressed.
• In severe cases sufferers may develop 'psychotic' symptoms of delusions and hallucinations. The content of these is usually in keeping with the euphoric mood and the unrealistic sense of great self-importance.