The Various 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.

Type 2: 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

People with cyclothymic bipolar disorder experience alternate attacks of mild depression and hypo mania. It lasts longer than the bipolar disorders 1 and 2 with no break in the manifestation of symptoms but is not as severe.

Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

All other symptoms that dont fall under any of the other bipolar disorder categories will be categorized under this type of disorder. These symptoms include hypomaniac episodes that are associated with depression, rapid alternation between depressive symptoms and manic symptoms, and hypomanic phase without depression.

Of all the types of bipolar disorders, bipolar 1 disorder is the most severe type. If left untreated, it will possibly have a high rate of recurrence. It has an estimated rate of about 15% death risk by suicide. Also, it is considered as the third leading cause of death among people aged fifteen to twenty-four years old. It tends to run in families and is a lifelong disorder. Aside from being a hereditary disorder, other factors that can cause bipolar disorder 1 are certain illnesses such as hyperthyroidism, brain tumor, and multiple sclerosis, and certain environmental factors such as giving birth, stressful life events, sleep deprivation, stimulants, electroconvulsive therapy, antipsychotic medication and antidepressant medication.

Bipolar 1 Symptoms

Both manic and depression phases is experienced with bipolar 1 disorder and the usual symptoms like unusual happiness and sadness ,grandiose delusions, pressured speech, change in eating and sleeping patterns and suicidal attempts can also be expected.

How to Teat Bipolar 1 Disorder

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.