Bipolar disorder is a biological brain disorder
causing severe fluctuations in mood, energy,
thinking and behavior. It was previously known
as manic depression, as it causes moods to shift
between mania and depression. Children—whose
symptoms present differently than those of
adults—can experience severe and sudden mood
changes many times a day. Symptoms of mania
and depression can also occur simultaneously.
Young people with this disorder are frequently
anxious and have very low frustration tolerance.