Manic episodes usually begin abruptly and last for between 2 weeks and 4-5 months (averaging 4 months). Depressions tend to last longer (averaging 6 months), though rarely for more than a year. Episodes of both kinds often follow stressful life events, but the presence of such stress is not required. The first episode may occur at any age from childhood to old age. The frequency of episodes and the pattern of remissions and relapses are variable, although remissions often get shorter as time goes on and depressions often become more frequent and longer lasting after middle age.

Treatment almost always includes medications.  Lithium carbonate is one of the medications traditionally used to treat bipolar disorder.  Anticonvulsant medications are also frequently used.  Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is one of the most widely used anticonvulsant used to treat bipolar disorder.

Also Known As: Manic Depression, Manic Depressive Disorder

Common Misspellings: Biploar Disorder, Manic Depresion

Related Resources:

Medications for Bipolar Disorder
Medications are usually required as part of the treatment for Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression). Find out more about Lithium as well as the newer medications.

Bipolar Disorder - New Evidence of Brain Chemistry Abnormalities
Persons with bipolar disorder may have more of a certain type of signal-sending brain cells.

Bipolar Disorder Information
A detailed brochure written by NIMH

Elsewhere on the Web:

Bipolar Disorder - MEDLINE Plus
The National Library of Medicine has compiled these resources on the subject of Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression

Bipolar Disorder Consumer Sites
Persons with bipolar have created some interesting websites.

About Bipolar Disorders Site
A whole site full of information on Bipolar Disorder