Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, was a mental condition characterized by alternating periods of extreme moods. In one stage, the individual could be in a mania, in which they were intense happy, excitable, energetic, and focused on completing tasks. However, this was followed by periods of depression.
Drugs could help, but not totally remove the condition.
Manic depression was one of a number of handicaps that randomly afflicted Grey Orions, due to their genetic mutilation. (FASA RPG - The Orions module: Book of Deep Knowledge)
In the 21st century, Zefram Cochrane was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and given a cerebral implant to treat the condition. In the aftermath of World War III, Cochrane was no longer able to acquire the needed refills for the implant, and took to self-medicating with alcohol in order to manage his condition. In 2063, he was cured of bipolar disorder by Dr. Beverly Crusher, using 24th century medicine. (TNG novelization: Star Trek: First Contact)
External link[]
- Bipolar disorder article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Bipolar disorder article at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.