Definition

Noun: A mental disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania (a state of abnormally elevated arousal, energy, and mood) and depression (a state of low mood and aversion to activity).

Usage

This term is a clinical name for a specific psychiatric condition. It is used in medical, psychological, and general contexts to describe the illness. * The doctor diagnosed her with manic depression. * Effective treatments are available for manic depression.

Advanced Usage

• The term "manic depression" is historically significant and is still widely understood. In contemporary clinical language, it is more formally known as bipolar disorder. The shift in terminology aimed to reduce stigma and more accurately describe the spectrum of the condition (e.g., bipolar I, bipolar II).

Variants and Related Words

• Bipolar disorder (n): The modern clinical term for manic depression.
• Manic-depressive (adj): Relating to or suffering from manic depression.
  • He was diagnosed as manic-depressive.
• Manic-depressive illness (n): A synonymous phrase for manic depression.

Synonyms

• Bipolar disorder
• Manic-depressive illness
• Bipolar affective disorder

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To be bipolar: A common, though sometimes informal, way to state someone has bipolar disorder/manic depression.
  • She has been open about being bipolar.
• Manic episode / Depressive episode: Phrases used to describe the distinct phases of the disorder.
  • He was hospitalized during a severe manic episode.

Noun

1. a mental disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression