Final answer:
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by swings between manic episodes, marked by elevated mood and energy, and depressive episodes, marked by sadness and lack of interest. It affects daily functioning and treatment typically combines medication with psychotherapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
People with bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, experience dramatic shifts between two extremes on the mood spectrum: manic episodes and depressive episodes. Manic episodes are characterized by abnormally elevated moods, increased activity or energy, and often risky behavior, whereas depressive episodes involve prolonged periods of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, and physical symptoms like changes in sleep and appetite. Bipolar disorder is a significant mood disorder, impacting the ability to carry out daily tasks and affecting approximately 10 percent of U.S. adults annually. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy aimed at managing symptoms.