Understanding Bipolar Disorder by Catherine “Katie” Ness, MA, LCPC Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder in which individuals experience extreme moods ranging from depression to mania. It is helpful to conceptualize Bipolar Disorder, and mood in general, as a pendulum that swings back and forth on an emotional continuum that ranges from depression to mania (see graphic below). In individuals who do not have a mood disorder the pendulum gradually swings from happy to sad
