Noticing the circadian pattern of Charles B's depression, Dr Wehr asked him to get through a night without sleeping, and then to increase his nightly sleep only gradually, so that for almost a week he was awake during those crucial early-morning hours.

ECONOMIST: People, like all living things, are four dimensional

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

CNN: Can a manic episode look like a tantrum?

In the case of bipolar disorder, the pattern requires the presence of at least one manic episode and usually also includes episodes of depression.

CNN: Can a manic episode look like a tantrum?

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.

CNN: The story

Many people also recognize that their moods and energies mutate with the seasons, with the most typical pattern being increased well-being and energy in spring and summer and more tiredness and depression during the gray days of winter.

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