] My theory is that Shakespeare, genius that he was in his understanding of humanity,portrayed in Hamlet a man with manic depression centuries before manic depression was labelled.

I would agree completely about Shakespeare's genius in sussing out human nature, but, for me, I think perhaps manic depression may be taking it too far. Without getting into the psychological definitions, and, hopefully, without offending you, I would say that the difference is that Hamlet is an ordinary man, with extraordinary intelligence, in a completely screwed up situation. I shall even venture to say, that from what I understand of Bipolar depression, the hi and lo reactions are, for whatever reason- chemical, emotional, etc. (and I am not trying to trivialize the condition)- over-reactions to everyday situations. Hamlet's situations are anything but everyday - they are decidedly extraordinary. He has every right to flip out, if indeed he does?