(Yvette Cruz 2001).
There are different types of bipolar affective disorder. Bipolar I is the classic form of the condition, with discrete periods of mania alternation with depression. In a person with Bipolar II, the depressive phase predominates and there is no true mania. There may be periods of elevated mood and energy in which the person doesn't completely lose touch with reality (hypo mania).
Affective disorders are characterized by a large variety of symptoms that can be broken into manic and depressive episodes. The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of sadness and disparity that can become feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some of the symptoms of a depressive episode include disturbances in sleep and appetite, psychomotor retardation, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, difficulty thinking, indecision, and recurrent thoughts of death and suicide. The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and insight, and often reckless or irresponsible behavior. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania and depression. These episodes may alternate with hidden depressions characterized by a large-scale of sadness, almost inability to move, hopelessness, and disturbances in appetite, sleep, in concentrations and driving. (Martin Alda).
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if an episode of mania occurs whether depression has been diagnosed or not. Most commonly, individuals with manic episodes experience a period of depression. Symptoms include ecstatic, expansive, or irritable mood, hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and excessive involvement in reckless activities. Rarest symptoms were periods of loss of all interest and retardation or agitation. .
As the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (MDMDA) has demonstrated, bipolar disorder can create extensive developmental delays, marital and family disruptions, occupational setbacks, and financial disasters.