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What Is Bi-Polar Dieasase?

A change in mood can signify an imbalance in the mind. For many people, mood swings might be temporary and can be attributed directly to life events. But for some, these mood swings can peak at extreme highs and valley at extreme lows for months at a time. Those who suffer from bipolar disorder can attest to those kinds of swings. This article will explore some of the facets associated with bipolar disease.

  1. DSM IV

    • The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) characterizes bipolar 1 disorder as the occurrence of one or more mixed episodes of Mood disorder. These disorders include manic episodes and major depression episodes, often alternating with a few months of no episodes of either in between.

    Manic Symptoms

    • During a manic phase of bipolar disease, patients will generally seem very high energy and delve into several projects or ideas with the true conviction to finish every one of them. Their speech and thoughts can fire off at a rapid pace. You can also see an increase of physical activity like frequent gym visits. A manic bipolar also will feel the need for less sleep.

    Depression Symptoms

    • During the "lows", bipolar patients may tend to become sad and irritable. As the depression phase continues, sleeping and eating become less important to a patient. They may start to exhibit unnecessary anxiety and guilt. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (like giving away all their possessions) can also become more frequent.

    Major Subtypes

    • Bipolar disease also has subtypes that further characterize a patient. Bipolar 1 disorder describes someone who has had at least one manic episode with no previous episodes of depression. Bipolar 2 patients have had at least one of each, with a possibility of a hypomanic episode that only lasts a few days versus a few months. Hypomanic episodes still involve the same highs, but they are more manageable. Bipolar 2 patients tend to have longer stints of depression as well.

    Rapid Cycling

    • Rapid Cycling bipolar disorder is another subtype whereas the mood changes occur more frequently. At least four episodes in 12 months can classify someone as having rapid cycling bipolar disorder. In some cases, the cycling can happen within a 24 hour period. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of bipolar patients have this subtype.

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