The bipolar affective disorder is characterized by changes in mood, energy, and activity levels.
These moods range from periods of extremely “elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes).
The lifetime prevalence of the bipolar disorder is 0.6%.
The symptoms last at least 1 week and are present most of the day. In the manic phase, the patient may exhibit an elevated mood, increased energy, increased activity, increased talkativeness, over-familiarity, increased sexual energy, decreased need for sleep, increased irritability, and grandiose ideas.
