What is bipolar disorder?
Previously called manic depression, bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to think clearly.
Bipolar disorder involves periods of high mood and energy (manic episodes) and low ones (depressive episodes). Periods of less-severe mania are known as hypomanic episodes.
There are four main types of bipolar disorder and related conditions:
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I involves manic episodes that persist longer than seven days or are severe enough to require immediate hospital care. Depressive and hypomanic episodes may also occur.
Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar II involves a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes without full-blown mania. However, this disorder isn’t a less-severe form of bipolar I.
Cyclothymic disorder
Also called cyclothymia, this disorder involves many periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years (one year for children). These symptoms don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for a depressive or hypomanic episode.
Unspecified and other specified bipolar disorders
This group involves periods of abnormal moods that are clinically significant but don’t qualify for any of the three bipolar disorders.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder experience distinct periods of unusually intense changes in their emotional state, behavior, sleep patterns, and activity levels. Symptoms and their severity can vary, but often include:
Manic symptoms
Mania and hypomania are separate types of episodes, but they share many of the same symptoms, including:
- Racing thoughts
- Increased energy or activity
- Exaggerated sense of self-confidence
- Decreased need for sleep
- Poor, risky, or foolish decision-making
- Unusual talkativeness
Full-blown mania is more severe and may involve a break from reality (psychosis).
Depressive symptoms
A depressive episode may include:
- Low energy or fatigue
- Decreased ability to think or concentrate
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Depressed mood, including feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much
- Changes in weight or appetite
Depressive episodes may also lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, go to the nearest emergency room or call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
The team at Beautiful Mind Behavioral Health Services offers a holistic, multifaceted approach to treating bipolar disorder. They consider your specific physical, emotional, and spiritual needs before they develop an individualized treatment plan.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but the team at Beautiful Mind Behavioral Health Services provides evidence-based treatments, such as medication and psychotherapy, to help you take control of your life.
Call Beautiful Mind Behavioral Health Services or book an appointment online today to get the care you need to manage bipolar disorder.
