Bipilar Depression, or Bipolar Depression, Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depression, or Manic-Depressive Illness, involves both depression and mania. The shifts can be dramatic and last for days to months.

A diagnosis is made by a clinician ruling out not only other medical conditions, but also other psychiatric conditions. A family history along with a detailed history of the patient help in the diagnosis.

The cyclical quality, meaning the manic, or high, episodes followed by depressive episodes, of the mood swings is an important part of the diagnosis.

Some people with untreated bipolar disorder have repeated depressions and only  occasional episodes of mania.  In the other extreme, mania may be the main problem and depression may occur only infrequently.
 In some the symptoms of mania and depression may be mixed together in a "mixed" bipolar state.
 
 Left without medical treatment, the depressive episodes tend to happen more frequently and with less downtime between episodes. As time goes on, the episodes become quite unpredictable and more difficult to treat.

Sometimes the episodes turn into a manic episode, but this can be prevented by prompt treatment. With the proper medication and psycho-therapy, it is quite possible for an individual suffering from bipolar depression to live a normal  happy, productive life.
 
 The primary goal of therapeutic drug treatment for bipolar disorder is to stabilize the mood. Drugs usually considered mood stabilizers include lithium and the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, valproic acid and lamotrigine.
 
 But while bipolar disorder medications can reduce the symptoms and effects of the disorder, they do not provide a cure.
 
Bipolar disorder drugs are most effective as long term preventive treatment combined with psycho-therapy and other self help and supportive therapies.