Bipolar affective disorders are a type of mental health condition that affects an individual's mood. It is characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from periods of mania to episodes of depression. This mental health condition is also known by other synonyms such as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder, bipolar spectrum disorder, and bipolar mood disorder. These synonyms illustrate that bipolar affective disorders have a broad spectrum of symptoms that can vary from person to person. Some individuals have mild symptoms, while others experience severe symptoms. It is important to recognize the various synonyms of bipolar affective disorders to increase understanding and awareness of this mental health condition.