Bipolar Disorder, which itself has several different variants, is a mood disorder distinct from “unipolar” depression. In Bipolar Disorder, by definition, patients must experience periods of distinctly elevated mood. Depending on severity these are termed manic episodes (which usually result in hospitalization) or hypomanic episodes for less severe states of mood disturbance.
In either case these are significantly disruptive states of mind. They are expansive states of mind wherein usual constraints do not apply. People feel “better than good” and generally feel compelled to communicate this and involve others. Mental and physical energy feel abundant and there seems little need for rest. Ideas and plans come quickly to mind and there is a pressure to make things happen. Caution seems unnecessary and consequently judgement can be poor, sometimes disastrously so. Such states of mind can fluctuate wildly. They usually will quickly run up against the restraints of the world as it is.
