<unk>  is a psychiatric condition defined as recurrent episodes of significant disturbance in mood.  These disturbances can occur on a spectrum that ranges from debilitating depression to unbridled mania. Individuals suffering from<unk>  typically experience fluid states of mania, hypomania or what is referred to as a mixed state in conjunction with depressive episodes.  These clinical states typically alternate with a normal range of moods.  The<unk>  has been subdivided into<unk>  I,<unk>  II and cyclothymia, with both<unk>  I and<unk>  II potentially presenting with rapid cycling.
Previously referred to as<unk>  affective<unk> , the current term<unk>  is fairly recent in origin and refers to the cycling between high and low episodes.  This term has also replaced manic-depressive illness coined by Emil Kraepelin (1856-1926) in the late nineteenth century. The current term was designed to be neutral, in order to avoid the stigma that results from conﬂating "manic" and "depression."
Onset of<unk>  symptoms generally occurs during young adulthood. Diagnosis is based on self-reported experiences and observed behavior. Episodes of illness are associated with distress and disruption, as well as increased rates of suicide. 
Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology, and psychological and social processes are important contributing factors.  Psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but a clear organic cause has not been found.<unk>  is usually treated with a combination of medication, therapy, and counseling. The mainstay of medication are a number of drugs termed 'mood stabilizers', in particular lithium and sodium valproate. These are a group of unrelated medications used to prevent relapses of further episodes. Antipsychotic medications, sometimes called neuroleptics, in particular olanzapine, are used in the treatment of manic episodes and in maintenance. The benefits of using antidepressants during depressive episodes is unclear. In serious cases where there is risk to self and others, generally involving severe manic episodes with dangerous behaviour or depressive episodes with suicidal ideation, involuntary hospitalization may be necessary.
Several studies have identified a significant correlation between creativity and<unk> , though this relationship remains unclear.<unk>  is also thought to correlate with increased ambition and motivation.
Bipolar disorder
Major depressive disorder
Depression 
Panic disorder
Cyclothymia
Euthymia 
Atypical depression
Dysthymia