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Severe Bipolar Disease

Like any medical problem, bipolar can have symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Bipolar is a mental health disorder characterized by intense mood swings, ranging from "manic" to "depressive." Some symptoms of severe bipolar disease-- normally called a "disorder" by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIM)--are "hypomania," which is an unusually intense manic episode, and major depression. People with severe cases of hypomania may hallucinate or have delusions. The NIMH reports that people with severe bipolar are sometimes misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, because symptoms of hallucinations and delusions have been long associated with schizophrenia.

  1. Hypomania

    • Hypomania is severe mania in a person with bipolar. According to the NIMH, signs of hypomania include hallucinations or what is known as "delusions of grandeur." Hallucinations and delusions of a person experiencing hypomania can lead to people believing they are famous when they are not or that they have special powers. During a state of hypomania, people have increased energy levels and may become highly productive. Their moods may be very energetic.

    Severe Depression

    • People with severe bipolar may experience extreme depressive states that also lead to psychosis. According to the NIMH, people with bipolar who are very depressed may have delusions that they are poor or have committed crimes, when in reality they have not. Severe depression affects people with bipolar differently, but some symptoms of major depression include extreme fluctuation in weight or suicidal thoughts. In a major depressive state, people with severe bipolar disorder may become depressed to the point they are not able to function, or they may suffer from delusions.

    Misconceptions

    • According to the NIMH, severe bipolar can be misdiagnosed as schizophrenia, due to the hallucinations and delusions experienced by people with both disorders. Additionally, people with bipolar disorder may cope with their mental illnesses by "self-medicating" with drugs or alcohol, and this can also lead to misdiagnosis. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but the illness may be treated with medications and therapy.

    Treatment

    • Psychiatrists can make diagnosis of severe bipolar disorder and offer treatment, generally in the form of drug therapy. Drugs used to treat bipolar include mood-stabilizers, including lithium, and anticonvulsants such as Depakote. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressants to assist people with bipolar with their depressive states. Antipsychotic medications like Abilify or Seroquel may help people experiencing severe bipolar. Finally, people with severe bipolar may benefit from entering psychotherapy.

    Warning

    • People with bipolar are at high risk for suicide. It's very important for caregivers and for people who believe they may have bipolar to get help immediately. The NIMH recommends that people call 911 immediately if they believe someone is in danger of hurting themselves or others. Additionally, antidepressants may be linked to suicide or suicide attempts. Make sure to keep in constant contact with your doctor if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms.

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