17:44 Dec 15, 2011 

In french the word is "lunatique" because such fluctuations in mood are in syncronisation with the lunar cycle, and everyone is affected to some extent, just as the oceans are, and womens mentrual cycles... Some call it bipolar, but I have never heard another word in English for this - and mood swings are something more acute, such as a bad temper during a period of general 'downness' for want of a better word... I really don't want somebody to read what their name means and be faced with a psychiatric disorder, that could echo in their head for a while...

10:53 Dec 15, 2011 

I am not sure exactly what the register of your text is but a person who has such highs and lows has some form of split personality whether you like it or not (they even use the term "depression").

09:59 Dec 15, 2011 

How about: fluctuating periods of highs (......) and lows (.....)

09:37 Dec 15, 2011 

This isn't about mood swings (which are abrupt changes in mood over a shorter period of time, during a 24 hour period for example), it is referring to longer periods, several days at least, usually weeks, months or even years. Split personalilty? These words are not far from "schitzophrenia" in my brain at least, and I'm sure I'm not the only one... Everybody goes through periods of high energy followed by low energy - the last thing I want to do is add to such stigmatisation... Thank you thinky caps!