Bipolar Depression Definition

Bipolar disorder is a major mental problem that causes a person to swing from mania to depression. There are treatments and ways to cope and balance moods.

Identification

• Moods swings are common with bipolar disorder. Typical symptoms during a depression period include sadness, restlessness, fatigue, weight loss and hopelessness. Symptoms during a manic phase typically include dangerous behavior, racing thoughts, impulsiveness and extreme optimism.

Types

• There are four types of bipolar, and doctors use your behavior pattern to make a diagnosis. The four types include bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia disoder and mixed bipolar.

Significance

• Often mistaken for "the blues," depression phases of bipolar disorder are similar to clinical depression, which is a more serious form of this type of illness.

Considerations

• Mania cycles with depression in bipolar disorder. Mania refers to an intense euphoric state, which usually triggers excitability and increased confidence.

Warning

• Suicidal thoughts are common in severe bipolar depression. Warning signs may include, but are not limited to, intense sadness, inflicting self-harm and expressing thoughts of deaths.