All night, I hear voices telling me I should get some sleep, because tomorrow might be good for something. Wait, I feel like I'm having a nervous breakdown, I don't know why. I'm not crazy, I'm just a little sick. I know, you can't say it right now, but stay a while and maybe then you'll see a different side of me. –Matchbox 20, Unwell (Thomas, 2003)Those who suffer from bipolar disorder experience constant ups and downs. The APA defines bipolar disorder as “recurrent episodes of mania alternating with episodes of major depression” (Griswold, 2000). Mania is an overexcited state of mind, often characterized by an unrealistic and optimistic state, excess energy and insomnia. (King, 2010) People in states of mania also often experience uncontrollable urges such as sex, gambling, and alcohol abuse. (Das, 2005). In contrast, depression is characterized by periods of extreme sadness, tearfulness and irritability, inactivity and disinterest, and feelings of hopelessness (Torpy, 2009). People who suffer from bipolar disorder will cycle between these states; some cycle rapidly, over several days, others only a few times a year. After being diagnosed with bipolar, there are several treatment options that are helpful for sufferers, including medications, psychotherapy, and family counseling; all of these elements must be used to successfully control symptoms and possible harmful behaviors. The first and probably most important step in treating bipolar disorder is pharmaceutical intervention. Most patients initially present with signs and symptoms of depression, which often lead to misdiagnosis and treatment. First-line treatment for depression includes tricyclic antidepressants, which can actually worsen symptoms in b...... middle of article ......, Neria, Y., Lantigua, R., Shea, S ., & Weissman, M. (2005). Bipolar disorder screening in a primary care practice. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 293, 956-963.Griswold, K., & Pessar, L. (2000). Management of bipolar disorder. American Family Physician, 62, 1343-1353, 1357-1358.King, L. (2010). Experience psychology. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.Kaplan, H. & Sadock, B. (1996). Concise manual of clinical psychiatry. Philadelphia, PN: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.MacQueen, G., & Young, T. (2001). Bipolar II disorder: symptoms, course and response to treatment. Psychiatric Services, 52, 358-361. Torpy, J. (2009). Bipolar disorder. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 301, 564.Thomas, Rob. (2003). Not good [Recorded by matchbox 20]. On More Than You Think You Are [CD]. New York, New York: Atlantic Records. (2002)