Manic-depressive illness, or bipolar disorder, is a psychiatric disorder and brain disease is characterized by severe mood swings, from mania to depression. Bipolar Disorder is a biological disease of the brain. It is caused by a chemical imbalance. It affects more than 2 million Americans and may have a strong genetic link Men and women are equally likely to develop this disabling illness. Bipolar disorder changes lives, affects relationships, and can be deadly. There is no know cure for the bipolar disorder but it can be treatable with medication and therapy. 1% of the population will have a manic depressive illness. Environmental factors such as death, separation and divorce