Bipolar Affective Disorder, formerly known as manic-depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed condition in relation to other illness categorised as mood disorders. Distinct from other disorders, which characteristically focus on a specific type of behaviour or mood, bipolar disorder cycles from episodes that include depression, normal function, hypomanic and manic phases. The manic episodes of this disorder respond more readily and effectively to treatment. Yet for those afflicted it is a period during which they are least likely to seek treatment, as while enjoying such a sense of well being or even euphoria they either fail to recognise or refuse to acknowledge their behaviour is abnormal. This situation can then become life threatening as these people, with little

Supporting the premise there are biochemical or neuropsychological causes of bipolar disorder Schrift (1994) notes that drug therapies used do have an effect on neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline and serotonin. He also considers limbic system involvement based on neurotransmitter changes observed in this area during episodic phases, a theory which Grounds & Armstrong (1995) also find credible. Some researchers concur with the evidence derived from imaging studies that, the brains of bipolar patients may differ from brains of healthy individuals (Soares & Mann, 1997a; Soares & Mann 1997b). Through the accumulative knowledge of research scientists may eventually be able to predict which types of treatment will work, most effectively to relieve symptoms and maintain the patient within normal parameters of function (Spearing, 2000).

Mood disorders encompass a range of conditions featuring Depression and Mania as major contributors to elements occurring either singularly or in combination. Bipolar Affective disorder (Harvard, 2001a) is characterised by alternating episodes of both depression and mania with same normal periods in between. For those that have this disorder these extreme mood swings can be extremely distressing and disruptive affecting all aspects of their lives (MHN, 2000).

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Grounds Armstrong, Affective Disorder, Milkowitz Goldstien, Sach Thase, Dilsaver Morris, Hayward Bright, Carison Buskit, Geller Luby, Hennent Baldessarini, Parikh Baldessarini, spearing 2000, bipolar disorder, grounds armstrong 1995, armstrong 1995, grounds armstrong, harvard 2001a, griswold 2000, et al, thase 2000, schrift 1994, lam et al, manic episodes, et al 1999, sach thase 2000, disorder spearing 2000,