In regards to your particular question, bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is nothing but a description of a certain pattern of symptoms.

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Just as in a container, molecules in an inter-galactic gas cloud absorb certain wavelengths and leave a pattern of dark lines on a quasar's spectrum.

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Mr. HOMER: And I took a roll of blue painter's tape and starting wrapping it around my fingers and my hand and eventually wrapped it all around all my fingers and my hand in a certain way that in the pattern that you see on the glove.

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"It's possible he acted in a frenzy but the pattern of the injuries, especially to the breasts, suggested that it took a certain mindset, " Mr Harrington added.

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This would also suggest a pattern: Washington officials sent a message for tougher scrutiny of certain 501(c) groups, and the IRS coincidentally adjusted its enforcement regime.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: Curious IRS Timing

Certain characteristics of his prose -- hypersensitivity and constant rumination, or persistent contemplation -- reflect a pattern of temperament that some psychology researchers say connects mental illness, especially bipolar disorder and depression, with creativity.

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