Bipolar disorder which is often known as manic depression is a mental illness that affects the mood of the sufferers. It is common that the sufferers will experience extreme swings in mood from manic highs to severe depression. It is vital that someone who has bipolar disorder seeks medical help as without it sufferers are at a very high risk of suicide during the low time. Also during the high moments sufferers are likely to take risks that many people would not and so could put themselves in dangerous situations.

Most doctors will prescribe medication in an attempt to control the condition and alternative therapies should be used alongside conventional treatments. Many people suffering from bipolar disorder will find psychotherapy beneficial and in particular cognitive behavioural therapy. There are also a number of Chinese herbs or western herbal remedies that could help to control the mood of sufferers. Other therapies that could help are acupuncture and biofeedback.