Mood swings can encompass many different causes. In the case of the friend I was describing, he showed little problems until he hit his teenage years. It was hard to diagnose his condition as natural changes in body can cause a variation in behavior. Once he knew what he had though, it was simpler to be around him. He was much aware of the condition and would let us know if he felt the condition or his feelings becoming out of whack so he could adjust it, either with medication or some time alone to get his head straight. "The initial manic episode might be followed by a normal period, then by a depressed episode, than a normal period, and so forth" (Alloy et al, 2005). One of the most interesting things I noticed regarding him was that his hands always were shaking. I am not talking regarding a slight shift when someone tries to hold their hand still showing how calm they are, I mean a noticeable shake that made it hard for him to do any sort of work with his hands that required precision.

When a condition has serious effects on an individual, sometimes their life is changed to where they can hold the traditional roles of supporting themselves. At what point, if ever, must the government step in financially?