Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is more than just mood swings. People suffer from periods of mania or periods of depression. Bipolar disorder is an important medical condition of great health interest in America (Hopkins Medicine). The number of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder increases each year; therefore, the importance of education and understanding of this disorder is also increasing as it can affect the lives of a large number of people. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, manic depression affects more than 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of Americans aged 18 and older worldwide. a given year. Both sexes are affected equally. Bipolar disorder does not discriminate against race, ethnicity, or social class. Adolescence or early adulthood is when bipolar disorder normally begins, with the average age being 25 years old. Although researchers have not yet identified the gene, it is believed to be hereditary and is likely hereditary (Hopkins Medicine). The precise cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but certain elements can lead to bipolar episodes. Experts believe that people with bipolar disorder have biological changes in their brains and an imbalance of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Hormonal imbalance is also thought to be the cause of the episodes. People who have a blood relative with bipolar disorder are more likely to also be bipolar. When a person experiences a stressful, abusive event or experiences a significant loss, it may also trigger bipolar disorder (WebMD). Symptoms of bipolar disorder can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of mania consist of mood changes such as periods of feeling "high" or extremely happy and outgoing while also being agitated. People with mania ...... middle of document ......y/conditions/adult/mental_health_disorders/manic_depressionbipolar_disorder_85,P00743/>.Johnston, Janice. ABC 20/20. April 21, 2011. April 1, 2012. Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic. January 18, 2012. March 31, 2012. National Institute of Mental Health. NIMH. March 24, 2012. Russell, Peter. WebMD Health News. April 14, 2011. April 1, 2012. Torrey, E. Fuller, and Michael B. Knable. Surviving manic depression. New York: Basic Books, 2002.WebMD. WebMD. March 24 2012 .