Simple Explanation of Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by mood swings called mania and depression. Sometimes it is referred to as manic-depression. Most people develop symptoms in adolescence, but it can occur at any age.

Types

• Types

  Bipolar disorder has a few different types. The most common types are Bipolar Type I and Bipolar Type II. Type I is known for extremely high manic stages and deep depressions. Type II is known for hypomanic stages and deep depressions.

Mania

• Mania

  Mania can take the form of high energy where a bipolar person may need very little sleep and food, be able to do many tasks, and in general seem to be overly happy. Mania can also cause excessive irritability, increased spending of money the bipolar person can't afford, and partaking in dangerous activities.

Hypomania

• Hypomania

  Hypomania is a lesser form of mania where the bipolar person may experience good, high energy but with less destructive tendencies.

Depression

• Depression

  Bipolar depression can be more severe than clinical depression in that the lows experienced are devastating. A bipolar person in a depressed state runs the risk of suicidal tendencies' she exhibits sad, hurt feelings. Sometimes she may feel nothing at all.

Medical Treatment

• Medicine

  Bipolar is usually treated by a psychiatrist with mood stablizers such as Lithium or Depakote. A bipolar person is usually advised never to go off of medicine in case another episode occurs. Therapy is often used in conjunction to medicinal treatment.