Bipolar manic depression is defined clinically as a mood disorder.  Now, popularly known as bipolar disorder, it was earlier known as manic depression. This term is used synonymously with all bipolar disorders now.  The definition of a bipolar disorder or bipolar manic depression is that the patient experiences certain episodes or instances of mood diversions popularly called  mood swings.  The variation of the mood occurs between extreme euphoria or extreme sadness or depression.  This is an illness of the brain for which there is no complete treatment.

Bipolar manic depression is a sporadic state of the mind where a normal person suddenly begins to behave in an abnormal manner.  Sometimes, the abnormality is very subtle as in the case of hypomania.  But when the abnormality is very severe as in depression, immediate medical help is required.  During the manic episodes, the person feels sadness, despair, unworthiness,  has grandiose plans and is generally very irritable. 

This spectrum of emotions that the patient feels whenever the episode occurs helps the experts to define the type of  bipolar disorder.  When the severity is very high with both manic as well as depression stages, it is termed Bipolar I type; Bipolar II type differs in the extent of the manic phase and moreover, does not display any psychotic symptoms.  Cyclothamia and mixed states are other forms of bipolar manic depression.

The doctors believe that this disorder is a result of genetic abnormalities as well as external factors which are out of control of the individual.  These are called triggers and it could be something as simple as a change in the climate that could cause depression.  There have been instances where a landscape architect was busy throughout the year in the summer, spring and autumn months but found that winters brought out the bipolar manic depression   in him.  He was quick to identify the symptoms, get timely medical help.  enrolled in support groups and involved himself in hobbies which got him out of the depression. 

The other triggers include loss of spouse, pet or relocation, stress at the workplace and even changes in the biological clock.  All these trigger the abnormalities in the brain to cause imbalances in the neurotransmitters, biochemical imbalances and surges of energy – especially a chemical secreted by the liver called Uridine.  There are only indicative studies about the involvement of this chemical.  Besides the fluctuation in the serum levels of Lithium caused by changes in salt intake also triggers bipolar manic depression.

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