Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as manic-depression, is a category of mood disorders. There are several reasons a psychiatrist may diagnose a patient as bipolar, or rather, several sets of criteria. There are also, technically, two classifications of Bipolar Disorder - Bipolar I and Bipolar II.
The primary symptoms presented by a bipolar brain are a combination of episodes of major depression, mania, or hypomania. A person living with untreated Bipolar Disorder may experience any combination of those episodes, and the presence, frequency, and pattern of those episodes will define their particular diagnosis and treatment plan.
A physician will take into account many factors when evaluating mood disorders. It is not unheard of for a round of antidepressant to stimulate a pendulum reaction of manic behavior. Neither is it unheard of that normal life circumstances may cause unusual mood swings that cause concern but do not meet the criteria for Bipolar Disorder. It is necessary to visit a psychiatrist for trained evaluation and proper diagnosis.
Major Depressive Episode is characterized by symptoms of depression (impairment of daily function and interruption of activities) - including sadness, tearfulness, suicidality, insomnia/hypersomnia, weight change, delusions of guilt, decreased motor and cognitive function, severe loss of interest in daily activities - for a consecutive two-week period. A person struggling through a Major Depressive Episode may not venture out of their home for days or weeks, and therefore may not be noticed in the midst of their struggle. It is extremely difficult for that person to invite someone else over to help or to talk, when they can hardly muster the ambition to leave their bed. Outside of an episode, a person suffering depression may have a hard time describing their struggle, and the perception of helpless slavery to unseen forces.
Mania is loosely defined as "a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting at least 1 week (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary)". Many people become very productive during a manic episode, if there are no psychotic (break from reality) features. Books and theses have been written, business proposals designed, a week's worth of work or chores completed. Some people struggle to treat their Bipolar Disorder because they lament the loss of their hyperproductive energy. Some, however, do not associate any positivity with their mania. Instead, they find themselves struggling to think clearly, control their impulses, and live within the necessary bounds of social inhibitions.
Hypomania is loosely defined as "a distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least 4 days, that is clearly different from the usual non-depressed mood." The hypomaniac does not fit the bill for having a manic episode, but there is certainly something amiss. The people in their lives notice that they are not themselves, and not predictable during an episode of hypomania.This event may or may not incapacitate a person, but when combined with episodes of depression, make it difficult for one to have a healthy, reliable, or stable relationship.
Following a diagnosis, one or a combination of medications may be prescribed to stabilize the painful and unstable combination neurochemicals and hormones. The inclusion of conversation therapy with a counselor or psychologist often proves more effective than medication therapy alone. The benefits of combination therapy involving a counselor include the outlet for stressful emotions, tools for learning how to live with someone struggling with Bipolar Disorder, and support for anyone crippled by isolation or alienation.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide,call (800) 273-TALK (800-273-8255) or 9-1-1 immediately. Or contact a medical professional, clergy member, loved one, friend, or hospital emergency room.
Facts taken from the DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Association.
Do your own research...
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_bipolar
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml
The primary symptoms presented by a bipolar brain are a combination of episodes of major depression, mania, or hypomania. A person living with untreated Bipolar Disorder may experience any combination of those episodes, and the presence, frequency, and pattern of those episodes will define their particular diagnosis and treatment plan.
A physician will take into account many factors when evaluating mood disorders. It is not unheard of for a round of antidepressant to stimulate a pendulum reaction of manic behavior. Neither is it unheard of that normal life circumstances may cause unusual mood swings that cause concern but do not meet the criteria for Bipolar Disorder. It is necessary to visit a psychiatrist for trained evaluation and proper diagnosis.
Major Depressive Episode is characterized by symptoms of depression (impairment of daily function and interruption of activities) - including sadness, tearfulness, suicidality, insomnia/hypersomnia, weight change, delusions of guilt, decreased motor and cognitive function, severe loss of interest in daily activities - for a consecutive two-week period. A person struggling through a Major Depressive Episode may not venture out of their home for days or weeks, and therefore may not be noticed in the midst of their struggle. It is extremely difficult for that person to invite someone else over to help or to talk, when they can hardly muster the ambition to leave their bed. Outside of an episode, a person suffering depression may have a hard time describing their struggle, and the perception of helpless slavery to unseen forces.
Mania is loosely defined as "a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting at least 1 week (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary)". Many people become very productive during a manic episode, if there are no psychotic (break from reality) features. Books and theses have been written, business proposals designed, a week's worth of work or chores completed. Some people struggle to treat their Bipolar Disorder because they lament the loss of their hyperproductive energy. Some, however, do not associate any positivity with their mania. Instead, they find themselves struggling to think clearly, control their impulses, and live within the necessary bounds of social inhibitions.
Hypomania is loosely defined as "a distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least 4 days, that is clearly different from the usual non-depressed mood." The hypomaniac does not fit the bill for having a manic episode, but there is certainly something amiss. The people in their lives notice that they are not themselves, and not predictable during an episode of hypomania.This event may or may not incapacitate a person, but when combined with episodes of depression, make it difficult for one to have a healthy, reliable, or stable relationship.
Following a diagnosis, one or a combination of medications may be prescribed to stabilize the painful and unstable combination neurochemicals and hormones. The inclusion of conversation therapy with a counselor or psychologist often proves more effective than medication therapy alone. The benefits of combination therapy involving a counselor include the outlet for stressful emotions, tools for learning how to live with someone struggling with Bipolar Disorder, and support for anyone crippled by isolation or alienation.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide,call (800) 273-TALK (800-273-8255) or 9-1-1 immediately. Or contact a medical professional, clergy member, loved one, friend, or hospital emergency room.
Facts taken from the DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Association.
Do your own research...
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_bipolar
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml
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