"In the early days of documentation, these people were seen as 'crazy,' possessed by the devil or demons," says Dr. Gardenswartz in Bipolar Magazine (Stephens, 2014) . Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder consists of mood swings that range from the lows of depression to the highs of mania. Depending on the rapidity of the mood swings, the disorder can be classified as mixed or rapid. Mixed episodes last less than usual, while rapid cycling consists of four or more mood disorder episodes per year (“Bipolar Disorder,” 2012). The term “bipolar” logically emphasizes “the two poles,” usually experiencing both depressed and elevated moods in a cyclical manner, according to Robert L. Spitzer, MD, professor of psychiatry at Columbia University (Stephens, 2014). Scientists agree that there is not just one cause, but rather many, such as genetics, biological traits, brain-chemical imbalance, hormonal problems, and the environment. Continued treatment is needed to control the symptoms of bipolar disorder, but even with proper treatment, mood swings still occur. (“What is Bipolar Disorder,” 2014). Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of bipolar disorder and can appear at any time in a person's life, but the disorder usually occurs around adolescence or young adulthood (Nordqvist, 2013). Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, however it can be treated long-term with medications and mood stabilizers (“What is Bipolar Disorder,” 2014). People with bipolar disorder help keep their moods under control by following a treatment plan (“Bipolar Disorder,” 2012). Effective maintenance treatment plans include a combination of medications and psychotherapy (counseling). Treatment helps many… halfway through the article… his long-term disorder. Works Cited by the American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Bipolar disorder. Diseases and Conditions (2012). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20027544 Bipolar disorder. (2014). What is bipolar disorder? Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml Nordqvist, C. (2013, October 13). "What is bipolar disorder? What causes bipolar disorder?" Medical news today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37010.Stephens, S. (2014). BP magazine. Over the centuries it has been there. Retrieved from https://www.bphope.com/Item.aspx/162/through-the-ages-its-been-th