Bipolar disorder can be classified based on the presence of manic episodes followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, extended, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and present for most of the day, nearly every day. During the specific period of mood disturbance and increased energy or activity, many symptoms are present. Some examples of these symptoms may include: - Increased self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and being more talkative than usual (“Bipolar and Related Disorders,” n.d.). There is a 10-15% risk of complete suicide associated with bipolar disorder ("Bipolar Depression", 2) A mood disorder is classified as serious if it causes marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or requires hospitalization to prevent harm to oneself or others, or if psychotic features are present. This episode, however, is not attributable to the psychological effects of a substance (“Bipolar and Related Disorders,” n.d.). During a manic episode, individuals often do not perceive that they are ill or need treatment and vehemently resist attempts to seek treatment. Individuals may change their dress, makeup, or personal appearance to a more sexually suggestive or flamboyant style. Some experience a heightened sense of smell, hearing, or sight. Gambling and antisocial behavior may accompany the manic episode (“Bipolar and Related Disorders,” n.d.). A hypomanic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least 4 consecutive days… half of the paper… to perform worse than individuals healthy on cognitive tests (“Bipolar and Related Disorders,” n.d.). Although episodes of mania and depression come and go naturally, it is important to understand that bipolar disorder is a long-term illness for which there is currently no cure (“Prognosis of Bipolar Disorder,” 2011). For the future, a one-year study of at least 10 bipolar medications will be conducted and compared to identify the best combinations (Kluger and Song, 2002). Brain scans are also being completed to determine which lobes and regions are involved in bipolar disorder (Kluger and Song, 2002). A blood test that can detect bipolar disorder as easily as high cholesterol is a work in progress (Kluger and Song, 2002). A blood test will finally eliminate years of misdiagnosis, along with wrong treatments (Kluger and Song, 2002).