What he doesn't talk about is the depression parts. If you just read these descriptions, you'd have to think bipolar disorder is some kind of "over-achievement disease". Some people would kill for the ability to persuade others, have great ideas and work days without sleep.<p>The NY Times article touches on depressive episodes, but the contrast between high energy and low energy phases is maybe the worst aspect of the condition. Both a manic and a depressive episode can ruin or even end a patient's life.