Which mental disorder is characterized by alternating mood swings from depression to mania?

Bipolar Disorder is defined by its distinctive mood fluctuations, which include episodes of both depression and mania. In this condition, individuals may experience periods of elevated mood, heightened energy, and extreme irritability, known as manic episodes, followed by phases of deep sadness, lethargy, and hopelessness typical of depressive episodes.

The presence of both manic and depressive episodes is what differentiates Bipolar Disorder from other mood-related disorders. Major Depressive Disorder, for example, involves only depressive episodes without the alternating manic phases. Likewise, Generalized Anxiety Disorder focuses primarily on chronic anxiety rather than mood changes, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves obsessions and compulsions rather than mood fluctuations. This combination of high and low moods within the context of Bipolar Disorder is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, making it a unique mental health condition.