Our topic here we are discussing Bipolar Disorder as a differential from the previous post on DMDD “Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.” Here we will continue with Bipolar Disorder and the differences between the two and the different spectrums of Bipolar disorders.
An interesting fact many did not know until today is that there are a few different bipolar disorder diagnoses. Here we will review them all!
Let us start first with What is Bipolar?
Bipolar disorder, with its extreme mood swings from depression to mania, used to be called “manic depressive disorder”.
However, the irritability seen in bipolar disorder is episodic and the patient’s mood between episodes is clearly distinguishable from the irritable mood because the patient returns to his or her baseline non-irritable mood between episodes. In addition, DMDD should not be diagnosed in children younger than 6 years or older than 18 years; bipolar disorder does not have age parameters.
Bipolar disorder key facts:
• Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood changes that affect or disrupt daily life.
• Symptoms of manic episodes include showing extremely high energy in speech and activity, agitation, and a reduced need for sleep.
• Symptoms of depressive episodes include low energy and motivation, lack of interest in daily activities and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
• Bipolar disorder is a chronic disease, and while there is no cure, there are medicines and other therapies that can help people function well and lead fulfilling lives.
• People with bipolar disorder will benefit greatly from the support of a close friend or family member.
Bipolar disorder:
The central differentiating factor in distinguishing bipolar disorder from DMDD is the periodicity of symptoms. Both disorders can manifest with irritable symptoms that create difficulty in functioning.
People who have bipolar disorder can have periods in which they feel overly happy and energized and other periods of feeling incredibly sad, hopeless, and sluggish. In between those periods, they usually feel normal. You can think of the highs and the lows as two “poles” of mood, which is why it is called “bipolar” disorder.
Did you know there are 5 types of Bipolar Disorder Disorders?
Bipolar I disorder:
This involves manic episodes lasting 7 days or more, or severe mania that requires hospitalization. The person may also experience a major depressive episode that lasts 2 weeks or more. A person does not have to experience this type of episode to receive a bipolar I diagnosis.
Bipolar II disorder:
This features both mania and depression, but the mania is less severe than in bipolar I, and doctors call it hypomania. A person with bipolar II may experience a major depressive episode preceding or following a manic episode.
Cyclothymic disorder:
Also known as cyclothymia, this type includes symptoms of hypomania and depression that last for 2 years or more in adults or 1 year in children. These symptoms do not fit the criteria for manic or depressive episodes.
Other types:
People with these disorders experience symptoms that do not fall into the above categories. The symptoms may stem from drug or alcohol use or medical conditions, for example:
With any type of bipolar disorder, misuse of drugs and alcohol use can lead to more episodes. Having bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder, known as “dual diagnosis,” requires help from a specialist who can address both issues.
Bipolar I and II are the most common subtypes, with Bipolar I being more severe in terms of manic symptoms. Symptoms of bipolar disorder include episodes of mania or hypomania and can include depression. People may also have periods during which they feel fairly stable. Symptoms vary and may change over time.
MANIA:
Manic episodes involve extreme highs, during which a person may experience:
• anger or irritability
• difficulty sleeping and less need for sleep
• high energy levels and periods of overactivity
• high self-esteem
• an inability to make decisions
• intense enthusiasm and excitement
• loss of concentration
• racing thoughts
• pleasure-seeking behaviors, such as increases in sexual
activity or alcohol or drug use
• reckless behavior, such as risky sexual activity
• restlessness
Manic periods can affect a person’s daily life, job, and relationships.
HYPOMANIA:
Symptoms of hypomania are similar to those of mania, but they are less severe. Nonetheless, others often notice these symptoms, which can interfere with the person’s life and relationships.
DEPRESSION:
While bipolar disorder involves manic or hypomanic symptoms, most people with this condition experience depression.
Depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder are the same as the symptoms of clinical depression and include:
• fatigue and low energy
• feeling sad or hopeless
• insomnia or sleeping too much
• a loss of appetite or overeating
• a loss of concentration
• a loss of interest in things once enjoyed, or anhedonia
• low self-esteem
• physical aches and pains with no obvious cause
• suicidal thoughts or behaviors
For health professionals to classify these symptoms as depression, they must last for at least 2 weeks.
OTHER SYMPTOMS:
Bipolar I and II may cause additional symptoms, such as anxiety or psychosis. During psychotic episodes, people lose touch with reality and may experience hallucinations or delusions.
People with bipolar I or II may experience what doctors call “rapid cycling.” This means that they have had at least 4 episodes in the previous year, with occasional periods of remission for at least 2 months or a shift to the opposite mood, such as from mania to depression.
SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS:
It can be difficult to identify symptoms in younger people because the signs can resemble regular developmental highs and lows. Patterns of symptoms in children and teenagers can also differ from those in adults.
POTENTIAL CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS:
Experts do not know exactly what causes bipolar disorder, although they believe that several factors play a role.
These include:
• Genetics. People with bipolar disorder seem to have variations in genes that may have increased their risk of developing the condition. However, it is unclear exactly how these variations lead to the onset of the disorder.
• Family history. If a sibling or parent has bipolar disorder, a person is more likely to develop it themselves.
• Environmental factors. Experiencing periods of high stress, such as bereavement, can trigger bipolar symptoms. A traumatic head injury or abusing alcohol or drugs may also increase the risk.
• Environmental factors. Experiencing periods of high stress, such as bereavement, can trigger bipolar symptoms. A traumatic head injury or abusing alcohol or drugs may also increase the risk of the Disorder and the differences between the two as well the different spectrums of bipolar disorders.
A combination of heredity and environmental factors plays a role in bipolar development.
In closing: There are several types of bipolar disorder, with significant symptom overlap between them. While bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, treatments such as medications, therapy, and lifestyle modifications can effectively help people manage their symptoms. To support their mental health, it is vital for people with bipolar disorder to seek help from others and stay in regular contact with their doctors.
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