Final answer:
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder featured by extreme emotional experiences that swing between manic and depressive episodes. It is a significant mental health condition that can impact an individual's daily life and requires long-term management.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mood disorder that includes a range of extreme emotional experiences that alternate between both poles is referred to as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, once known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Individuals with bipolar disorder experience manic episodes where they feel excessively high, overly energetic, or irritable. This alternates with depressive episodes where they may feel very sad, indifferent, or hopeless.
Bipolar disorder is one of the major mood disorders and can seriously impair an individual's life, often resulting in a need for hospitalization and long-term treatment. It is distinct from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through—the mood swings in bipolar disorder are extreme and can affect a person's job performance, schoolwork, relationships, and overall functionality.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy to manage symptoms and help individuals lead stable lives.