Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness characterized by episodes of elevated mood and energy levels (manic episodes) followed by episodes of extreme irritability and depression. It affects equal numbers of men and women, with typical onset between the ages of 15 and 25. While the cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, genetic factors are thought to play a role in its development.
Bipolar Symptoms
Though manic and depressive phases vary in severity and degree, most patients experience similar bipolar symptoms. Symptoms of the manic, or elevated phase, include:
- intense moods.
- increased energy.
- racing thoughts.
- excessive talking.
- delusions of grandeur.
- excessive self-esteem.
- reckless behavior.
- lack of control (including binge eating, drug/alcohol abuse, and promiscuity).
- short temper.
- poor judgment.
- little need for sleep.
- distraction.
- agitation.
Manic phases occurs unpredictably and can last days or months. The swing to the depressed phase can happen quite quickly (though sometimes a mixed state, in which both manic and depressive symptoms are present at once, follows manic episodes.)
During the depressed phase, patients experience:
- sadness.
- difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
- feelings of worthlessness.
- hopelessness or guilt.
- low self-esteem.
- loss of enjoyment.
- eating problems, including either loss of appetite and weight loss or binge eating and weight gain.
- insomnia or excess sleep.
- isolation from friends and family.
- thoughts of suicide and death.
Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder are often drawn to alcohol and drug abuse throughout both phases. Substance abuse can make bipolar symptoms worse and increase one’s risk of suicide.
Types of Bipolar Disorders
There are several types of bipolar disorder:
- Type I: Individuals have had at least one manic episode and experience periods of major depression. (In the past, Type 1 bipolar was called manic depression.)
- Type II: Individuals have never had full mania. Instead they experience periods of high energy and impulsiveness that are not as extreme as mania. These periods, called hypomania, alternate with episodes of depression.
- Clyclomythia: A mild form of bipolar disorder that involves less severe mood swings, cyclomythia involves periods of hypomania and mild depression.
People with bipolar disorder type II or cyclothymia may be mistakenly diagnosed as having depression.
Treating bipolar disorder
If you or a loved one needs help overcoming bipolar disorder, Caron is here for you. Please explore our support groups or contact us for more information.
Caron Staff
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