Bipolar Disorder - Different Types and the Symptoms
This is often distinguished as "high" episodes of mania and "low" episodes of depression. But in between these two, there are several others that can be mild or severe and this really depends on the person\'s symptoms.
When you experience manic episodes of bipolar disorder, you will feel very energetic and restless. Sadly, you will often exercise poor judgment, find it difficult to concentrate and show signs of aggressive behavior.
Those who suffer from depressive episodes will experience the exact opposite. They will have low levels of energy and won\'t feel like doing anything. He or she will get tired easily; feel helpless and worthless to the point of considering suicide.
But when someone experiences both at the same time, the person may suffer from Bipolar 1 and mania. The symptoms of someone suffering from this include a marked increase in strength, disconnected thoughts, extreme irritability, and feelings of impotence, grandiose ideas, hallucinations, open promiscuous activity, paranoia and violent behavior. This can happen anywhere from a week to several months; and, the hospitalization may be in order for the patients\' own safety.
Patients who have bipolar 2 and hypomania will suffer episodes of severe depression with some "mild" mania from time to time. For those who are confused between mania and hypomania, the difference is that the person will not experience any delusions.
Just the same, this may still cause impaired functioning. In fact, studies have shown that although bipolar 2 is "milder" than bipolar 1, the suicide rate is much higher.
Next is the Cyclothymic Disorder. Instead of suffering from manic or depressive episodes at the same time, the person switches from one to the other. It is not as severe as bipolar 1 and 2 but this lasts for long periods with no break in between.
In some cases Cyclothymic disorder can later become a full-blown bipolar disorder or just stay as a low-grade chronic condition.
There is also "rapid cycling." Basically, this means that the person will experience 8 to 10 manic or depressive episodes in one lifetime. Doctors may only tell if you are suffering from this should this happen at least 4 times in one year.
Then there is the mixed episode where the symptoms of both happen at the same time. The difference between this is that the person will feel excited and depressed at the same time while Bipolar 1 and 2 goes toward one extreme. Such a combination increases the risk of suicide.
The number of people suffering from the different types of bipolar disorders is equal among men and women. In fact, only about one third of those diagnosed seek treatment. It is estimated that 15% to 20% of those who know there is something wrong and do not receive medical attention commit suicide.
If you think you are suffering from one of these types or know of someone who might, it is best to consult a psychiatrist.
Diagnosing someone is a challenge because there aren\'t any lab tests like a CT scan or a blood test that can confirm this. In teens, this may sometimes be mistaken for something else like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder.
The doctor may make some observations but will need to get a complete history of the patient including family history because close to 60% of those suffering from bipolar disorder have had someone in the family who had it before.
However, if it has been determined that you are suffering from one of the types of bipolar disorders, you may be given medication or undergo psychotherapy.
On your end, you should identify what provokes you to experience periods of mania or depression. By knowing that, you will be able to prepare for times that you are most vulnerable or even prevent it from happening all together.
