Why does Bipolar Disorder confuse most people? Bipolar 1 Vs. Bipolar 2 - Mania Vs. Hypomania
Bipolar disorder is a mental health illness characterized by mood swings that are intense.
The following are some of the most common symptoms:
Mania, or a mood that is very elevated, can occur at any time.
Depressive episodes-Periods of despair or a gloomy disposition.
Manic depression and bipolar sickness are two older terminology for bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a common affliction. According to the National Institute of Mental Health Trusted Source, bipolar disorder affects 2.8 percent of adults in the United States, or around 5 million people.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is divided into three types: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia.
Bipolar 1
At least one manic episode is required for bipolar I to be diagnosed. Before and after the manic period, you may encounter hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes, or serious depression episodes. People of both sexes are affected equally by this type of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar 2
Bipolar II patients have at least one major depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks. They also experience at least one 4-day hypomanic episode. This kind of bipolar disorder may be more common among women, according to a 2017 Trusted Source study.
Cyclothymic Bipolar Disorder
Hypomania and depression are common symptoms of cyclothymia. These episodes are characterized by symptoms that are shorter and less severe than those associated with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, such as mania and depression. The majority of persons with this disorder only have no mood symptoms for a month or two at a time.
When you and your doctor talk about your diagnosis, your doctor can tell you more about the types of bipolar illness you have.
Some persons have mood symptoms that are similar to but not identical to these three kinds. If this is the case, you may be given the following diagnosis:
- other specified bipolar and related disorders
- unspecified bipolar and related disorders
Symptoms according to Types of bipolar disorder are as under:
You must have at least one episode of mania or hypomania to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Both entail euphoria, impulsivity, and high energy levels, however hypomania is regarded milder than mania. Mania symptoms might interfere with your daily life, causing difficulty at work or at home. Symptoms of hypomania usually do not.
Major depressive episodes, or “down” moods, are common in people with bipolar illness.
Bipolar disorder is characterized by three basic symptoms: mania, hypomania, and depression. Different varieties of bipolar disorder manifest themselves in different ways.
Symptoms of Bipolar I
A diagnosis of bipolar I illness necessitates the following:
· At least one bout of mania lasting more than a week
· Symptoms that interfere with daily activities
· Symptoms that aren’t related to another physical ailment, mental illness, or substance abuse
· You could also have psychotic symptoms, as well as mania and depression (known as mixed features). These signs and symptoms might have a significant influence on your life. If you have them, it’s important to seek expert help as soon as possible.
While you don’t have to have bouts of hypomania or depression to be diagnosed with bipolar I, many people who have the disorder, do.
Symptoms of Bipolar II
A bipolar II diagnosis necessitates the following:
· At least one episode of hypomania lasting four days or more and involving three or more hypomania symptoms
· Changes in mood and normal function that others can see, while these may or may not have an impact on your daily existence
· At least 1 episode of major depression lasting 2 weeks or longer
· At least 1 episode of major depression involving 5 or more key depression symptoms that have a significant impact on your day-to-day life
· Symptoms that aren’t related to another medical or mental health condition or substance use
· Bipolar II can also cause psychotic symptoms, but only during a depressive episode. You can also have mixed mood episodes, which means you’ll have sadness and hypomania symptoms at the same time.
Mania, on the other hand, is not a symptom of bipolar II. You’ll be diagnosed with bipolar I if you have a manic episode.
Symptoms of Cyclothymia
A cyclothymia diagnosis requires:
· Off and on, for 2 years or longer, periods of hypomanic symptoms and times of depression symptoms (1 year for children and adolescents)
· Symptoms that never meet all of the criteria for a hypomania or depression episode, such as being present for at least half of the two years and never being absent for more than two months at a time
· Symptoms that aren’t related to another medical or mental health condition, or symptoms related to substance abuse that cause severe distress and interfere with everyday living
Cyclothymia is characterized by mood swings. These symptoms may be milder than those associated with bipolar I or II. Even so, they tend to linger longer, so you’ll have less time if you don’t have any symptoms.
Hypomania may not have a significant impact on your day-to-day activities. Even if your symptoms don’t qualify for a major depressive episode, depression can cause more substantial suffering and interfere with day-to-day functioning.
If you ever have enough symptoms to qualify for a hypomanic or depressed episode, your diagnosis will most likely shift to another type of bipolar disorder or major depression, depending on your symptoms.
Mania Vs. Hypomania
Mania
An emotional high is common during a mania episode. You may feel ecstatic, impetuous, euphoric, and energized. You may also feel jittery or realize that your thoughts are racing. Some people also have hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms.
Manic episodes can lead to more impulsive behavior than usual, frequently due to a sense of invincibility or untouchability. Examples of this type of behavior that are frequently highlighted include:
· Having sex without utilizing protection
· Abusing alcohol or drugs, using them more frequently than normal
· Spending binge
However, impulsivity and risk-taking can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Perhaps you:
· Resign from your job abruptly
· Take off on a road trip without informing anyone
· Make a large investment on the spur of the moment
· Drive significantly faster than normal, much beyond the speed limit.
· Take part in extreme sports that you would not normally consider
Hypomania
Many of the symptoms of hypomania are similar to those of bipolar II illness, however they are less severe. Unlike mania, hypomania rarely causes problems at job, school, or in relationships. Hypomania is a mental illness that does not include psychosis. They usually don’t last as long as mania episodes and don’t necessitate inpatient treatment.
You may feel incredibly busy and energized when suffering from hypomania, but you may not notice any significant changes in your mood. It’s possible that those who don’t know you well won’t. Those closest to you, on the other hand, will usually notice changes in your attitude and energy levels.
Major Depressive Episodes in Bipolar Disorder
A “down” mood change might make you feel sluggish, unmotivated, and depressed.
At least five of these symptoms will be present in bipolar-related major depressive episodes:
· A persistent low mood characterized by intense sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
· A feeling of being slower than normal or a feeling of constant unrest
periods of too little or too much sleep a sense of guilt or worthlessness a lack of interest in activities you formerly enjoyed
· Changes in appetite or weight difficulties concentrating, focusing, and making decisions thoughts of death, dying, or suicide
· Although many persons with bipolar disorder experience major depressive episodes, not everyone does. You may just experience a few signs of depression, rather than the whole five required for a significant episode, depending on your kind of bipolar illness.
It’s also worth mentioning that the exhilaration of mania can be pleasurable at times, but not always. The symptom-free mood you experience after mania therapy may feel more like a “down” shift or a period of despair than a more usual mood state.
While bipolar disease can result in a gloomy mood, there is a significant difference between bipolar disorder and depression. You may experience “up” and “down” mood states if you have bipolar disorder. However, if you have depression, your mood and emotions may remain “low” until you receive treatment.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
Several treatments are available to help you manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Medication, counseling, and lifestyle modifications are among them. Some natural therapies can be beneficial as well.
Medications
Medications that may be prescribed include:
· Lithium and other mood stabilizers (Lithobid)
· Olanzapine, for example, is an antipsychotic medication (Zyprexa)
· Fluoxetine-olanzapine, for example, is an antidepressant-antipsychotic (Symbyax)
· Benzodiazepines are an anti-anxiety medicine that is administered for a brief period of time.
Psychotherapy
The following are some of the treatment options that may be suggested:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing harmful ideas and behaviors.
Therapy provides a safe environment in which you can explore solutions to manage your symptoms. Your therapist may also be able to assist you with:
· Recognizing mental patterns
· Re-framing upsetting feelings
· Additional beneficial coping methods to learn and practice
· Find out how to choose the proper therapist.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a therapy method that focuses on assisting you in learning more about a condition and how to address it. This knowledge can go a long way toward assisting you and the others who care about you in recognizing and managing early mood symptoms.
Rhythm Therapy
Interpersonal and social rhythm treatment are two types of rhythm therapy.
The goal of interpersonal and social rhythm treatment is to help people regulate their everyday behaviors including sleeping, eating, and exercising. By balancing these routine need, you may have fewer mood swings and milder symptoms.
Other Methods of Bipolar Treatment
Other methods for alleviating symptoms include:
· Supplements
· Acupuncture
· Electroconvulsive therapy
· Sedatives
How can we manage Bipolar disorder naturally?
Some natural therapies may also help with the symptoms of bipolar illness.
However, you should always see your doctor or psychiatrist before attempting these treatments. They may interact with whatever medications you’re taking in some situations.
When used in conjunction with medication and therapy, the following herbs and supplements may help to stabilize your mood and minimize the symptoms of bipolar disorder:
· Omega-3. According to some 2016 research Trusted Source, taking an omega-3 supplement may help with bipolar I symptoms. This was found to be very beneficial with depressed symptoms in a 2012 study Trusted Source.
· Rhodiola rosea is a kind of herb that may aid with moderate depression, according to a 2013 review Trusted Source, therefore it could be used to treat depression associated with bipolar disorder.
· S-adenosylmethionine is a kind of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). SAMe is a type of amino acid that can aid with the symptoms of serious depression and other mood disorders.
Some tips for Bipolar Support
