Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a mental illness that causes drastic changes in mood, energy levels, and behavior. Symptoms can include feeling very happy or “up” one day, and then feeling very sad or “down” the next. This can happen several times a week or even several times a day. Bipolar disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe. It usually starts during the teen years or early adulthood.
Bipolar disorder is not curable but it is treatable. Treatment usually involves medication and/or therapy. With treatment, most people with bipolar disorder are able to lead normal lives.
Symptoms include:
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings that include both manic and depressive episodes. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe and can disrupt a person’s ability to function at work or school, and in their personal relationships. Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is possible to manage the symptoms with medication and therapy.
Bipolar I. Bipolar I disorder is the most common of the four types
Bipolar I disorder is the most common type of bipolar disorder, and affects more than 2 million American adults. It is a mental illness that is characterized by extreme mood swings, from periods of mania or hypomania to periods of depression. Bipolar I disorder can be very disruptive to a person’s life, and can even lead to suicide if left untreated.
There is no single cause of bipolar I disorder, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people may be predisposed to the condition due to genetic factors, while others may develop it after exposure to certain environmental stressors. There is no cure for bipolar I disorder, but it can be effectively treated with medication and psychotherapy.
Bipolar II. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by the shifting between the less severe hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes
Bipolar II disorder is a mental illness that causes people to experience shifts in mood from hypomania to depression. Although less severe than the manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, the hypomanic episodes of bipolar II can still be disruptive to a person’s life. The depressive episodes are also disabling and can last for weeks or months at a time. There is no cure for bipolar II, but there are treatments that can help people manage their symptoms and live productive lives.
The most distinguishing feature of bipolar II is the presence of both hypomanic and depressive episodes. A person with bipolar II will never experience a full-blown manic episode like those seen in bipolar I. The hypomanic episodes associated with bipolar II are characterized by an elevated mood, increased energy and activity levels, and impulsive behavior. These episodes can last for several days or weeks and usually don’t require hospitalization. During a depressive episode, a person with bipolar II will experience all the symptoms of major depression, including depressed mood, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts of death or suicide. Depressive episodes can last for weeks or even months if left untreated.
Most people with bipolar II will cycle between periods of hypomania and depression over the course of their lifetime. The frequency of these cycles varies from person to person but typically follow some sort of pattern (e.g., every few months). Some people may only experience one or two cycles in their lifetime while others may have multiple cycles each year. There is no way to predict when someone will cycle into either state – it can happen at any time without warning signs.”
Cyclothymic disorder
Cyclothymic disorder, also known as bipolar II disorder, is a mental illness that causes mood swings and episodes of depression. The exact cause of cyclothymic disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Cyclothymic disorder is more common in people who have a family history of bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses. People with cyclothymic disorder often have difficulty maintaining relationships, keeping a job, and functioning in day-to-day life. Treatment for cyclothymic disorder typically includes medication and psychotherapy.
Unspecified bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes people to experience extreme changes in mood. People with bipolar disorder may have periods of depression, where they feel extremely sad and low, as well as periods of mania, where they feel excessively happy and energized. Bipolar disorder can be a very debilitating condition, making it difficult for those who suffer from it to lead normal, productive lives.
There is no one specific cause of bipolar disorder, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and allow people to live relatively normal lives.