Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is a mental illness which causes extreme mood swings between mania (excessive euphoria) and depression, negatively impacting an individual's ability to function normally. Typically appearing in early adolescence or young adulthood, it continues throughout life. It affects more than two million people in the United States and as many as two-thirds of these individuals are undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or receiving inappropriate treatment. Sufferers are at a 30-times greater risk of committing suicide than the general population, which makes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment a priority. A combination of medication, psychotherapy, close observation by an informed individual, and support groups allow most people suffering from this disorder to lead healthy, productive lives.

One early warning sign of bipolar disorder, hypomania, usually does not dramatically affect daily functioning and thus often goes unrecognized. During this cycle, the individual has increased energy and activity...