Bipolar disorder also known as manic depression has been a mystery since the 16th century. History has shown that it can appear in almost anyone. Bipolar disorder causes mood swings in energy, thinking and other behaviors. Having bipolar disorder can be very disabling (Kapczinski). A study was evaluated and approximately 1.3% of the US population suffers from bipolar disorder. Stressors and environmental influences can trigger and cause a person to go through numerous episodes. Bipolar disorder is characterized based on the severity of the stages. According to Kapczinski, there are four different stages that a person with bipolar disorder can experience. The prognosis of a disorder is different in each particular patient (Kapczinski). The causes of bipolar disorder are not known, but it runs in families. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder occurs during adolescence or early adulthood (Bradfield). Symptoms can be subtle and confusing; so many people with bipolar disorder are overlooked or misdiagnosed, causing unnecessary suffering, but with proper treatment and support, you can live a fulfilling life. This research paper will discuss the history, symptoms, treatments, and stages of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can look different in different people. Symptoms of the disorder can vary in frequency, type and severity. While others alternate between what is considered mania and depression, others go through both. There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: mania, depression, hypomania, and mixed episodes. Each type of mood episode has its own unique set of symptoms (Hatchett). Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if someone has a manic attack. It is very common...... middle of paper ......eating disorders in children and adolescents: In search of theoretical, therapeutic and diagnostic clarity. South African Journal of Psychology, 40(3), 241-249.Hatchett, G. T. (2010). Differential diagnosis of borderline personality disorder from bipolar disorder. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 32(3), 189-205.Hirschfeld, R. M. (1995). Recent developments in the clinical aspects of bipolar disorder. The decade of the brain. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Winter. vol. YOU. Issue II.Kapczinski, F., Fernandes, B., Kauer-Sant'Anna, M., Gama, C., Yatham, L.N., & Berk, M. (2009). The concept of staging in bipolar disorder: the role of BDNF and TNF-alpha as biomarkers. Acta Neuropsychiatrica, 21(6), 272-274. doi:10.1111/j.1601-5215.2009.00410.Smith, Melinda, Jeanne Segal, and Robert Segal,