The Different Types of Bipolar Diseases

Bipolar disorder is also called bipolar mood disorder, manic-depressive illness, manic depression, bipolar affective disorder, bipolar affective disorder and manic-depressive disorder. People with bipolar disorder experience unusual shifting of energy, mood, behavior and the ability to function normally. These mood swings are from high periods of mania to low episodes of depression. The disorder can be either mild or severe and the mood swings can be frequent or infrequent. Depending on the symptoms manifested by the person affected, bipolar disorders can be diagnosed according to its different types such as bipolar disorder 1, bipolar disorder 2, cyclothymic disorder and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified.

Bipolar 1 Disorder

Most people suffering from bipolar disorder 1, sometimes called bipolar 1 disorder, experience both the bipolar mania and depression. This type of bipolar disorder is distinguished from bipolar disorder 2 in terms of the duration and severity of the bipolar manic phase, which could last anywhere from weeks to a couple of months.

Bipolar Disorder 2

People with this type of bipolar disorder suffer from periods of severe depression that is occasionally accompanied with episodes of mild mania known as hypo mania. No delusions are experienced in bipolar disorder 2 but there is still impaired mental functioning.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Alternate attacks of hypo mania and mild depression can be experienced by people with this type of disorder. The symptoms of this type of disorder are not as severe as the previously mentioned types of disorders but are longer in duration with no break in the occurrence of symptoms.

# 4 Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

This type includes those bipolar symptoms and features that don’t meet any of the categories of bipolar disorder, such as very rapid alternation between depressive symptoms and manic symptoms, recurrent episodes of hypo manic phase without depression, and hypo manic episodes that are associated with chronic depression.

Bipolar disorder 1 is the most severe of all the types of bipolar disorders. It will possibly have a high frequency of recurrence if left untreated. This type has an estimated 15% death risk by suicide rate. It also considered as third on the list of leading causes of death among people aged fifteen to twenty-four years old. This type of disorder is often said to be a hereditary disorder but there other factors like brain tumors, multiple sclerosis and hyperthyroidism that can cause this type of disorder. Even environmental factors like giving birth to a child, stressful life events, sleep deprivation,stimulants and electroconvulsive therapy are also considered to be causes of bipolar 1 disorder.

Bipolar 1 Symptoms

Since bipolar 1 disorder involves both the manic and depression phases, the symptoms are just the common ones such as unusual happiness and sadness, grandiose delusions, change in eating and sleep patterns, pressured speech and suicidal attempts.

Bipolar 1 Treatments

Most commonly used medications used to control the symptoms of bipolar 1 are anti-psychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Other medications may also be prescribed to help manage restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Psychotherapy is also the treatment of choice in some cases.

Being diagnosed with a bipolar disorder and in particular bipolar 1 disorder, should not be taken for granted as non-treatment could mean the difference between life and death due to suicide. Once symptoms are evident, immediate treatment should be sought.