Bipolar I + II
In simple terms, Bipolar Disorder is a condition that features extreme shifts in mood and fluctuations in energy and activity levels. It is a mental illness that can make day-to-day living very difficult and hard to manage.
Formerly called Manic Depression, the mood swings associated with Bipolar consist of emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Diagnosis commonly occurs during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. However, Bipolar can be diagnosed at any age and does not discriminate; affects females and males equally. It is estimated that 2.5 percent of Americans (nearly 6 million people) have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Cases that are classified as severe is 83 percent.
There are two types of Bipolar: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. To be diagnosed with Bipolar I, it is important that a doctor rule out disorders that are not associated with Bipolar Disorder. Examples include schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and other psychotic disorders. Other factors taken into account when a mental health care provider is diagnosing bipolar includes a person’s symptoms, lifetime history, experiences, and in some cases, family history.
Bipolar I is made up of manic episodes that generally last a minimum of 7 days. Episodes of mania can be so severe that it can cause a person to break from reality (psychosis). Immediate attention of hospital care is needed if mania reaches levels of psychosis. Other symptoms of mania include loss of appetite, decreased need for sleep, poor judgement (i.e. eat/drink excessively, spend/give away excess amounts of money, have reckless sex), and feelings of exaggerated importance or power.
Episodes of depression occur as well, generally lasting at least 2 weeks. With Bipolar I, it is possible to have both depressive and manic symptoms at the same time. Symptoms of depression in Bipolar I include increased appetite and/or weight gain, slow speech and forgetfulness, trouble concentrating and making decisions, and experience feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of death and/or suicide.
Like Bipolar I, Bipolar II also includes moods that cycle between highs and lows. However, the highs do not reach the point of extreme mania. These moods that are less elevated are referred to as hypomanic episodes, or hypomania. Examples of hypomanic episodes include needing less sleep, increased energy, racing thoughts, loud speech, and excessive self-confidence.
Those who suffer from Bipolar II have less episodes of hypomania and more frequent episodes of depression. Episodes of depression occurring more often is referred to as “manic depression.” Feelings of depression usually start after a person is coming down from hypomania. Like “regular” clinical depression, symptoms of bipolar include loss of pleasure, low energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of suicide. These depressive episodes can last weeks, months, and although very rarely, years.
