What Is Bipolar Disorder?
The Mayo Clinic defines Bipolar Disorder as a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme mood swings. This includes emotional highs (mania, hypomania) and lows (depression). Bipolar disorder was formerly known by another name: manic depression.
What Is Mania and Hypomania?
Mania and hypomania are two different types of episodes someone with bipolar disorder may experience as an emotional high. Mania is distinct, in that it is more serious than hypomania, and can even trigger psychosis and thus require hospitalization. A manic or hypomanic episode will include at least three of the following symptoms: an increase in activity or energy, an unusual feeling of being jumpy or upbeat or wired, unusual talkativeness, a decreased need for sleep, distractibility, racing thoughts, an exaggerated sense of confidence, a euphoric feeling of well-being, and impulsive or poor decision-making. When in an elevated mood, a person with bipolar disorder may be more sociable, creative, and productive at work or school.
What Is A Major Depressive Episode Resulting From Bipolar Disorder?
A major depression episode of bipolar disorder includes symptoms serious enough to cause a noticeable negative difference in day-to-day life. An episode includes five or more of the following symptoms: a loss of interest in or feeling unable to enjoy anything at all, sleeping too much or insomnia, fatigue, either slowed behavior or a sense of restlessness, inability to concentrate or indecisiveness, significant change in weight or appetite, feelings of sadness / emptiness / hopelessness, an inappropriate feeling of excessive guilt or worthlessness, and considering suicide.
What Are Types Of Bipolar Disorder?
- Someone with Bipolar I Disorder will have at least one manic episode, followed by hypomanic and depressive episodes. In some people, there is the risk of mania that triggers a break from reality, or psychosis. In psychosis, a person can experience delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia.
- Someone with Bipolar II Disorder will have at least one hypomanic episode and one depressive episode, but never a manic episode.
How Can Psychiatry Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder?
Although the euphoric highs of bipolar disorder are enjoyable, the depressive episodes that follow are crushing (and maybe even coupled with legal, financial, or social consequences from the impulse-driven emotional highs of mania). The unpredictability of bipolar disorder affects the individual living with it, and their loved ones as well. Fortunately, modern medicine can be foundational to the treatment of bipolar disorder. Combined with talk therapy, patients can learn about their episodes and cope with the symptoms of bipolar disorder with the help of mood-stabilizing medication. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, someone with bipolar disorder can feel in control of their life again. If you reside in California, Oregon, and New York seeking personalized psychiatric care, consider Dr. Cawkwell of PBC Psychiatry. Philip Cawkwell, MD offers a 100% virtual practice so that child, adolescent, and adult patients can all receive psychiatric care from the comfort of their own home. If you want to request an appointment, fill out a brief consultation request to get started with PBC Psychiatry today!
