The fundamental aspects of Bipolar Disorder are that a patient has at some point experienced a major depressive episode as well as a manic episode.  It is commonly mistaken in layman parlance that, "sometimes I'm mad, and sometimes I'm happy, so I've got Bipolar."  Many variations of this error occur throughout the general population and unfortunately among many in primary care.

A manic episode is defined as a period of time in which an individual experiences a clinically significant elevation in mood that does not appear to have a catalyst.  These elevated moods are often accompanied with boundless energy, so a sufferer might be found cleaning the house at 2 in the morning, or engaging in risky business or personal decisions.

Major depressive issues are the complete opposite of a manic episode, and again do not have an events that causes the mood.

The main thing to keep in mind with Bipolar is that this is an organic disorder, so if there are things happening in a life that is causing the individual to experience these extreme moods, then Bipolar is an inappropriate diagnosis.

If you feel that you may have Bipolar, please consult with a professional counselor or psychiatrist as soon as possible, as untreated Bipolar disorder can shave years off life expectancy.