Feb 27 2009
Types of Bipolar
Bipolar 1
http://beingbipolar.today.com/2008/11/19/bipolar-i-what-is-it/
There are actually four types of Bipolar Disorder:
- Bipolar I
- Bipolar II
- Cyclothymia
- Bipolar NOS
Today, I will discuss Bipolar I.
According to Internet Mental Health , Bipolar I Disorder is one of the most severe forms of mental illness and has an almost 15% risk of death by suicide. This type of Bipolar Disorder is characterized by one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes. Most people who have Bipolar I also have major depressive issues. Psychotic episodes are also common.
What is a manic episode?
Symptoms of mania include:
- A distinctive elevated or irritated mood
- Increased energy
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts and/or speech
- Short attention span/ easily distracted
- Poor or impaired judgment
- Substance abuse
- Increased aggression
- Uncontrollable urges or impulses
- Delusions of grandeur
- Increased sex drive
In extreme phases of mania, a person may have a psychotic episode. A manic state can vary from severe anxiety and being easily enraged to euphoria.
Bipolar II
http://beingbipolar.today.com/2008/11/20/bipolar-ii-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-misdiagnosed/
This type of Bipolar Disorder is characterized by hypomanic episodes and at least one major depressive episode. Persons with Bipolar II have never had manic or mixed episodes, nor have they experienced psychosis. (The presence of these symptoms would dictate a diagnosis of Bipolar I.)
Hypomania mimics mania but does not reach the full severity of a manic episode. This makes Bipolar II more difficult to diagnose because a hypomanic episode may be perceived as a period of increased productivity. It is often not until a major depressive episode appears that any symptoms are reported. This is why so many patients with Bipolar Disorder are initially misdiagnosed with Depression.
How does hypomania differ from mania? A less extreme state, hypomania usually includes fewer symptoms than full-blown mania and typically does not last as long. Persons experiencing hypomania may seem giddy or easily amused. They may also experience a period of greater productivity and creativity in addition to an increase in energy.
What are the symptoms of a hypomanic episode?
- Inflated self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- More talkative than usual
- Racing thoughts
- Easily distracted
- Increased energy
- Excessive destructive behaviors (excessive spending, increased sexual encounters, substance abuse)
Cyclothymia and NOS
http://beingbipolar.today.com/2008/11/21/cyclothymia-and-nos-forms-of-bipolar-disorder/
Most people are familiar with Bipolar I and Bipolar II. However, Cyclothymia and Bipolar NOS may be terms you have not heard.
Cyclothymia is a milder form of Bipolar II. Symptoms include recurring episodes of mild hypomania and/or depression.
What are the symptoms of Cyclothymia?
- Persistent unstable mood
- Periods of mild depression and mild elation
A diagnosis of Cyclothymia means that while some of the features of Bipolar Disorder have been identified, they are not severe enough or have not existed long enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. It is quite possible that a person diagnosed with Cyclothymia may eventually develop Bipolar I or Bipolar II.
Persons with Cyclothymia have not experienced manic, major depressive, or psychotic episodes. The appearance of these symptoms would warrant a diagnosis of another form of Bipolar Disorder.
Bipolar NOS (Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) is a term used for patients who are clearly suffering from a form of Bipolar Disorder but do not exactly fit into any of the other categories. This could be the case if someone has symptoms that fit in several categories or for people who do not yet have enough symptoms required to be diagnosed in a more specific category of Bipolar Disorder. It is often used as a catch-all.
