Bipolar Diseases

Bipolar disorder causes alternate episodes of depression and mania or high energy often followed by normal functioning. Bipolar disease is not fully understood but is believed to be a chemical imbalance in the brain. The environment may affect it. The disease appears to run in families and occurs equally in females and males. Diagnoses is based on whether the person has more trouble with depression or mania and how often mood cycles occur. There is no cure. However, medicines and therapy help to control the behaviors of bipolar disease.

It may take years to diagnose, if ever. The spectrum of mania is increased energy and mental activity, exaggerated self-confidence, irritability and aggressive behavior, sleepless nights without fatigue and greater productivity, racing thoughts and talking at a breakneck speed. Behavior can become risky and dangerous bordering on schizophrenia.

In a depressive state, there are feelings of sadness and anxiousness for a significant time along with feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. Thoughts and speech are slowed by low energy. There is difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions. There is a loss of interest in the things that are usually enjoyable. Often there is a change in eating and sleeping habits leading to too much or too little. Suicidal thoughts may prevail.

Bipolar disease has been traditionally been broken down into bipolar I or manic depression and bipolar II, a less severe form of bipolar I. Now subtypes have been added, rapid-cycling bipolar and mixed emotions bipolar.

Bipolar I is considered the most severe. The depression brings on a sense of low self-worth and may lead to suicidal thoughts. Social contact is avoided. The manias cause grandiose behaviors and an inflated sense of self. Many go on extravagant spending sprees. The behaviors are usually problematic at work as well as socially. People with this disorder may find themselves in and out of hospitals.

Bipolar II is like bipolar I except a full-fledge mania is not experienced. The highs have been identified as a moderate level of mania called hypomania that may cause a surge in energy that may require less sleep and an increase in creativity. It could be experienced as anxiety. People in this category will experience more episodes of depression than hypomania.

Four manic or depressive or both episodes distinguish rapid-cycling bipolar disorder within a 12-month period. The mood swings are more frequent and erratic. People with mixed bipolar may experience the highs and lows almost simultaneously.

Cyclothymia is characterized by milder mood swings from hypomanic and depressive episodes that are not severe enough to be diagnosed as bipolar. The unpredictable mood swings and irritability can create enough stress to cause problems at work and take a toll on relationships. To be diagnosed the symptoms between hypomania and depression must present themselves over a two-year period. It is fairly rare.