Tell Me More About Bipolar Disorder.
1. What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a medical condition in which people have extreme mood swings. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are more distinct and enduring, and often are severe. Such moods may have nothing to do with life events or bad news. These mood swings affect thoughts, feelings, physical health, behaviour, and functioning. Bipolar disorder is no one’s fault. It does not come from a weak or unstable personality. It is a medical disorder that can be treated.
Mood instability
Bipolar disorder typically consists of three states: a high state, called "mania"; a low state, called "depression"; and a well state, during which many people feel normal and balanced, and function well. The periods of high and low are called episodes of mania and depression. Symptoms of mania and depression may occur together in what is called a mixed episode. Between episodes, most people are free of symptoms. People with bipolar disorder can lead healthy and productive lives when the illness is effectively treated. Proper treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes and can help people with bipolar disorder maintain a normal and balanced mood.
Manic Episode
In a manic episode, the person has an elated or irritable mood and at least three of the following symptoms every day for a week, to the point where the person has trouble functioning in a normal way: 1) less need for sleep, 2) rapid talking, 3) racing thoughts, 4) easily distracted, 5) inflated feeling of power and self-esteem, and 6) reckless activities without concern about bad consequences. In severe cases, the person may experience psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there) or delusions (firmly held beliefs that are not based in reality). A hypomanic episode is a milder and less severe form of a manic episode, but may still be disruptive. People may feel happy and have lots of energy, but do not usually get into serious trouble. Hypomania may progress to a full-blown manic episode or a major depression, and therefore needs treatment.
Depressive Episode
In a full-blown major depressive episode, the person must have a depressed mood or inability to experience pleasure, and at least four of the following symptoms for at least two weeks: 1) trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, 2) loss of appetite or eating too much, 3) problems concentrating or making decisions, 4) feeling slowed down or feeling too agitated to sit still, 5) feeling worthless or guilty or having very low self-esteem, 6) loss of energy or feeling tired all the time, 7) thoughts of suicide or death. These symptoms must be present almost daily, for most of the day, over a two week period. Severe depression may also include hallucinations and delusions.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Some people experience manic or mixed, depressed and well states during their illness. Such people are said to have "Bipolar-I" disorder. People who have hypomania, depression, and intervals without symptoms, but no full-blown manic episode, are said to have "Bipolar-II" disorder. When four or more episodes of illness occur within a 12-month period, a person is said to have "Rapid Cycling" bipolar disorder.
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