What is Bipolar Disorder? The Simpleton’s Guide to Mania and Depression

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, occurs when a person experiences mania – an elevated mood marked by increased energy, delusions of grandeur, and sometimes psychosis, paranoia, and hallucinations. Mania is a perpetual high that feels like doing cocaine without actually snorting it. Those who struggle with this malady are also plagued with bouts of horrible depression.