Depression and bipolar disorder are part of a group of mental illnesses called mood disorders. People with these conditions may experience unusual and extremely low or elevated moods as well as unpredictable mood swings. These disorders can also affect one's physical well-being. For many years people who suffered from mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder were stigmatized for their problems. Most doctors and medical scientists now believe that these illnesses are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and can be treated with medication and talk therapy. Depression and Bipolar Disorder, Second Edition provides the basic facts needed to understand the different types of depression and related disorders and what defines them, including the typical symptoms, possible causes, and current treatments.