BIPOLAR DISORDERS
Bipolar disorder causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.
Symptoms for manic period: increased energy, activity, and restlessness; excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood; extreme irritability, racing thoughts and talking very fast; jumping from one idea to another, distractibility, can't concentrate well; little sleep needed, unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers, poor judgment, spending sprees; a lasting period of behavior that is different from usual; increased sexual drive, abuse of drugs; provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior; denial that anything is wrong.
Symptoms of a depressive episode include: Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood, feelings of hopelessness, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex; decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"; difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions; restlessness or irritability; sleeping too much, or can't sleep; change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain; chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury; thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
How prevalent About 5.7 million American adults or about 2.6 percent of the population age 18 nd older in any given year.
Effect on life: Most people with bipolar disorder—even those with the most severe forms—can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood swings and related symptoms with proper treatment. Medications known as "mood stabilizers" usually are prescribed to help control bipolar disorder.
Source: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm#intro

SCHIZOPHRENIC SYNDROME DISORDERS
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder. People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don’t hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These experiences can make them fearful and withdrawn and cause difficulties when they try to have relationships with others.
Symptoms: Symptoms usually develop in men in their late teens or early twenties and women in the twenties and thirties, but can appear in childhood. They can include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, movement disorders, flat affect, social withdrawal, and cognitive deficits.
How prevalent: It affects about 1 percent of people all over the world.
Effect on life: According to the NIH, this is a hopeful time. The outlook for people with schizophrenia has improved over the last 30 years or so. Although the causes of the disease are not cleary determined, treatments can eliminate many of the symptoms and allow people with schizophrenia to live independent and fulfilling lives in the community. There are also ongoing clinical trials that people can find out about.
Source: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation