Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mood disorder that affects many more children and adolescents than formerly known. Mania, hypomania, and depression are the general categories of symptoms involved in bipolar disorder. Mania often begins with a sense of heightened energy, an exaggerated optimism, and self-confidence. People in this state of mind can be very impulsive and use poor judgment. They can be excessively irritable and show aggressive behavior. They may have an inflated sense of self-importance and a decreased need for sleep. (Fawcett 38)

There are many subforms of bipolar disorder, and one of the most disabling is mixed or dysphoric mania, in which symptoms of both mania and depression occur simultaneously, or alternate frequently during the same day. The person becomes excitable and agitated as in mania, but also irritable and depressed, feeling great anxiety. The mood swings can last for...