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Bipolar Type I & II Essay

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“In the earliest days of documentation, these people were viewed as 'crazy,” possessed by the devil or demons,” Dr. Gardenswartz says in Bipolar Magazine (Stephens, 2014). Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder, consists of mood swings that range from the lows of depression to the highs of mania. Depending on the rapidness of the mood swings, the disorder can be classified as mixed or rapid. Mixed episodes last less than usual, while rapid cycling consists of four or more mood disordered episodes per year (“Bipolar Disorder,” 2012). The term “bipolar” logically emphasizes “the two poles, “usually experience both depressed and elevated moods in a cyclical manner, according to Robert L. Spitzer, MD, professor of psychiatry at …show more content…

In 300 to 500 AD, some people with bipolar disorder were euthanized or punished, which included restraint or chaining; their blood was let out, they were given different potions, or electric eels were applied to the skull, much like witchcraft, according to Cara Gardenswartz, PhD, who is in practice with expertise in bipolar and its history (Stephens, 2014). Bipolar disorder type I is when the person has had at least one manic episode or mixed episodes (Nordqvist, 2013). Mood swings with bipolar I cause a crucial and difficult time with work, school and relationships; these episodes can be intense and unsafe (“Biploar Disorder,” 2013). Bipolar disorder type II is when a person has experienced one or more episodes of depression and at least one hypomanic episode (Nordqvist, 2013). Bipolar II is less severe than I; instead of full-blown mania he or she has hypomania. The person may experience and elevated mood, irritability and some changes in their functioning; unlike type I, type II can carry on with his or her normal daily rituals (“Bipolar Disorder,” 2012). A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy lasting about a week and present most of the day. Hypomanic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood,

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