What condition is characterized by mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by pronounced mood swings that alternate between manic highs and depressive lows. During the manic phase, individuals may experience elevated mood, increased energy, and a decreased need for sleep; they may also exhibit impulsive behavior and grandiose ideas. Conversely, during the depressive phase, an individual may feel sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, which can also lead to significant disruptions in daily functioning. This cyclical pattern of mood changes is what distinctly defines bipolar disorder, setting it apart from other mental health conditions.

For example, schizophrenia involves symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking and does not primarily focus on mood fluctuations; dysthymia is characterized by a chronic form of depression but does not include the manic high aspects found in bipolar disorder; generalized anxiety disorder primarily involves excessive worry and anxiety rather than mood swings. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why bipolar disorder is the condition that aligns with the description of alternating moods.