It is called manic depression and it is true illness.
manic depression, is a
mental disorder that causes periods of
depression and periods of elevated
mood.The elevated mood is significant and is known as
mania or
hypomania, depending on its severity, or whether symptoms of
psychosis are present. During mania, an individual
behaves or feels
abnormally energetic, happy, or irritable.
Mania is a distinct period of at least one week of elevated or irritable
mood, which can range from euphoria to delirium, and those experiencing hypo- or mania may exhibit three or more of the following behaviors:
speak in a rapid, uninterruptible manner, short
attention span,
racing thoughts, increased
goal-oriented activities, agitation, or they may exhibit behaviors characterized as impulsive or high-risk, such as
hypersexuality or excessive spending.To meet the definition for a manic episode, these behaviors must impair the individual's ability to socialize or work.If untreated, a manic episode usually lasts three to six months.