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Bi-Polar Disorder (or "Manic-Depression")

Manic depressive illness, also know as Bi-Polar Disorder, is the most distinct and dramatic of the depressive or affective illnesses.  Approximately 1 in 100 people will suffer from the disorder at some time in their lives.  Those with Bipolar illness differ from other depressive disorders as their moods swing from depression to mania (manic), generally with periods of normal mood between the two extremes.  Though manic depressive disorder may become disabling, it is also among the most treatable of the psychiatric illnesses.  Psychotropic drugs are quite effective along with individual, group and if necessary family therapy, to help with symptom recognition and management, cognitions and awareness of the peculiarities of the disorder.