Manic-Depression is a term that has fallen mostly out of use and refers to the mood disorder that is now termed bipolar disorder. The name references the two “poles” experienced, in varying degree and severity, by individuals who suffer from it. The “manic” pole–mania–is characterized as an intense, often uncontrollable euphoria that is often accompanied by psychosis, and which can severely impair judgment. On the other extreme, individuals with manic-depression (now bi-polar disorder) can also experience intense, prolonged feelings of depression. How rapidly and severely the mood of someone who suffers from manic-depression shifts varies from person to person and has important implications for treatment. More information can be found on this site regarding treatment options for bipolar disorder here, and information on group therapy options for bipolar disorder can be found here.