Bipolar Disorder Manhattan Johnson & Reyes Serrato J. Morgan Health 1500 October 3rd, 2014
What is it? Bipolar disorder is usually characterized by sudden moods swings that consist of extreme sessions of euphoria (happiness), or drastic sessions of depression. Another name for Bipolar Disorder is Manic-Depressive Illness The four categories are: Bipolar 1 Bipolar 2 Rapid-Cycling “Mixed Features”
Bipolar 1 This form of manic-depressive disorder involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression. Mania: Happiness, excitement, positive self image, or even rage. May also include irrational decision making Depression: sadness, gloomy, sleepy, a sense of impending doom. Most severe Manic episodes last up to 4 months Depressive episodes last longer, but usually doesn’t last longer than 1 year. During this time, suicide is a high risk and may require hospitalization.
Bipolar 2 The milder form of Bipolar 1 disorder Most common form of manic-depressive disorder Experience less intense euphoric (hypomanic) episodes But is followed by more intense depressive states This may appear as only an outgoing personality Makes it hard to diagnose Without treatment, it can progress into Bipolar 1
Rapid Cycling Described as having four or more mood episodes within a 12-month period Symptoms must last for a specified minimum number of days to be classified as an episodes. Can be within a single week or within a single day This is known as “Ultra-Rapid Cycling” Depression Mania Depression Mania
Mixed Features Mixed features means that multiple signs and symptoms occur at the same Marked by High energy Sleeplessness Racing thoughts But at the same time may be marked by Thoughts of suicide Hopelessness Despair And thoughts of suicide
Treatments Medication Mood stabilizing medication Make a more stable baseline Psychotherapy Therapy with working with stress Know what sets off the mood (triggers) Lifestyle management Eliminate the stressors Things that set you off