Paul Michael Glaser: Starsky and Hutch star at peace now after rage and guilt over family's HIV. 20 years ago he thought his life was over after his teacher wife and daughter died from Aids and his son was left infected by HIV. Share.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a treatable illness involving extreme changes in mood, thought, energy, and behavior. A person with bipolar disorder has moods that usually alternate between mania, or extremely âupâ mood, and depression, or extremely âdownâ mood. This change or âmood swingâ can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. Typically, someone with bipolar disorder experiences one or two cycles a year, with manic episodes generally occurring in the spring or fall.
At its worst, depression may lead the person to contemplate or commit suicide. Depression represents a burden for the person and his or her family. Sometimes that burden can seem overwhelming. Several different types of mood disorders exist. Major depression is a change in mood that lasts for weeks or months. It is one of the most severe types of depression. Major depression usually involves a low or irritable mood and/or a loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. It interferes with the person's normal functioning.