I think that Bipolar is more "sanitary" sounding. Less sick. Those of us who are bipolar/manic depressive know exactly how it hurts even if we can't always give an exact description of the pain. I was diagnosed as Depressed for several years before my pdoc changed my diagnosis and we discussed it. Finally there was a description that actually made sense to me. Bipolar/Manic Depressive...call it what you will...but keep the meds coming