Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness with recurring periods of mania (highs) and depression (lows) — these can last from a few hours to months. Someone in a manic state may have feelings of extreme irritability and/or euphoria. Surges of energy, talkativeness, pleasure-seeking and risk-taking behavior may also be present. Someone in a depression may have feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness and fatigue. Not all bipolar disorder patients have the same symptoms, however, and the severity of their symptoms may vary.
