Manic-depressive illness is a phenomenon extending far beyond its status as a psychiatric disorder or medical problem. Its symptoms are a manifestation of very basic as well as unusually sublime aspects of existence and human experience. The manic-depressive disorders bring the possibility of perceiving the surrounding world in extreme ways, such as seeing everything in excessively bright or dark colours. This has serious consequences for emotions experienced and social functioning. Manic-depressive illness is a disorder of extreme emotions. In patients’ attitude to their surroundings and other people we see an excessive drive to establish social contacts in mania and aversion – sometimes overwhelming – to social interactions in depression.