Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition associated with extreme mood swings that range from emotional highs (mania) to depressive lows. This disorder also causes unusual shifts in an individual’s mood, energy, concentration, and activity levels, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. During your depressive episodes, you may feel sad and hopeless and lose interest in almost all activities. But when your mood shifts to mania, you feel euphoric, energized, or unusually irritable. There are different types of Mesa bipolar disorder; all involve clear changes in mood, activity, and energy levels.
Types of bipolar disorder
There are several types of bipolar disorder, but the three most common ones include bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar II is characterized by at least one manic episode lasting at least seven days, nearly every day, for most of the day. The manic episode usually follows a depressive episode, typically lasting two weeks. It is also possible to have depressive symptoms and manic symptoms simultaneously. Rapid cycling is when you experience four or more episodes of mania or depression within a year.
Bipolar II disorder is whereby you’ve had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. The latter is usually less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.
Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by recurring hypomania and depressive symptoms that are not severe enough and don’t last long enough to be described as major depressive episodes.
Bipolar II disorder is a separate diagnosis, not a milder form of bipolar disorder. The manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe, but the depressive episodes in bipolar II can last longer, causing significant impairment. Bipolar disorder can occur at any age but is typically diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s. The symptoms vary between people and vary over time.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
As previously mentioned, bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme emotions and changes in activity levels, sleep patterns, energy, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. People with bipolar disorder tend to engage in behaviors that are out of character for them, often without recognizing their harmful or undesirable effects. These periods are called mood episodes; they differ from a person’s moods and behaviors. Symptoms last every day for most of the day and may last for longer periods, like several days or weeks.
During a manic episode, you may feel elated or extremely irritable. You may also be more active than usual and have a decreased need for sleep. Other symptoms of a manic episode include racing thoughts and excessive appetite for pleasurable activities such as sex, drinking, and eating. You may also feel unusually talented or important.
What are the causes of bipolar disorder?
There is no known cause for bipolar disorder, but several factors may be involved in this mental health condition. For example, people with bipolar disorder seem to have brain changes; the significance of these biological differences is still uncertain. Genetics also plays a role since bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative, such as a sibling or parent with the condition.
If you have questions about bipolar disorder, consult your provider at Mesquite Valley Integrated Health.
