Bipolar Disorder
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Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are three types of bipolar disorder. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.
- Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days (nearly every day for most of the day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible. Experiencing four or more episodes of mania or depression within 1 year is called “rapid cycling.”
- Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. The hypomanic episodes are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.
- Cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia) is defined by recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.
Areas of interest
Anxiety Disorder
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days.
Borderline Personality Disorder
People with borderline personality disorder also tend to view things in extremes.
Dissociative Disorders
The symptoms of a dissociative disorder usually first develop as a response to a traumatic event.
Mood Disorder
It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities.
PTSD / TRAUMA
PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.