bipolar disorder essay assignment 2

People with bipolar I disorder have full manic and major depressive episodes. Most of them experience an alternation of the episodes; for example, weeks of mania may be followed by a period of wellness, followed, in turn, by an episode of depression. Some, however, have mixed episodes, in which they display both manic and depressive symptoms within the same episode—for example, having racing thoughts amidst feelings of extreme sadness. In bipolar II disorder, hypomanic—that is, mildy manic—episodes alternate with major depressive episodes over the course of time. When a person experiences numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive symptoms, but not full-blown episodes, DSM-5 assigns a diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder. The symptoms of this milder form of bipolar disorder continue for two or more years, interrupted occasionally by normal moods that may last for only days or weeks.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder are numerous and vary depending on the individual, as well as the specific type of the disorder. The generalized

These mood episodes include the manic episodes and the depressive episodes. The mood changes of mania include a long period of an overly happy mood and irritability; the behavioral changes are talking quickly, having racing thoughts, being distracted, increasing of activities, being restless, getting little or no sleep, being impulsive, and engaging in high-risk, pleasurable activities or behaviors (NIMH, 2015). The mood changes of the depressive episodes are loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed and a long period of sadness; the behavioral changes are feeling very tired, having trouble with decision making and problem solving, being irritable, changing normal habits, and negative thinking (NIMH, 2015). Sometimes symptoms from both episodes can be present in a person’s current mood episode. This is called a mixed state. In the mixed state, a person can feel agitated, have a change in eating habits, and have suicidal thoughts; they also feel very hopeless and very energized at the same time (NIMH, 2015). About ten percent of people have at least four mood episodes every year which is called rapid cycling bipolar disorder (Schacter el at.,

Bipolar Disorder is a brain disorder that is characterized by abnormal changes in mood, energy and activity levels (“National Institute of Mental Health”). Manic-depressive illness is also another name that bipolar disorder is commonly referred to as (“National Institute of Mental Health”). This disorder has four basic types including, bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic, and any other which do not perfectly fit the first three. All four of the types have episodes of extreme highs, manic periods, and extreme lows, depressive periods. Symptoms can range greatly and depend on what type of episode the affected is having. Manic episodes can include, but are not limited to: having extraordinarily high amounts of energy, activity,

There are different symptoms and different types of bipolar disorder. The primary symptoms of bipolar disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. Mania symptoms may include excessive happiness, excitement, restlessness, less need for sleep, and high sex drive. Depression symptoms include sadness, anxiety, loss of energy, uncontrollable crying, need for sleep, and thoughts of death or suicide.

The main symptom of bipolar disorder would be the dramatic and irregular mood swings. These mood swings would consist of the person being in a great mood one second, and then being extremely angry the next. Other symptoms of bipolar disorder would be extreme fatigue or low energy levels. Feelings of despair and difficulty concentrating may also be signs of

Bipolar Disorder used to be known as “manic depression”, because the person experiences depression, normal mood and mania, which is basically the opposite of depression. Symptoms for Bipolar Disorder include feeling great, having a lot of energy, having racing thoughts, little need for sleep, taking fast, having difficulty focusing on tasks and

“Bipolar disorder, also commonly known as manic depression, is defined as a serious mental illness in which common emotions become intensely and often unpredictably magnified. Individuals with bipolar disorder can quickly alternate from extremes of happiness, energy and clarity to sadness, fatigue and confusion. All people with bipolar disorder have manic episodes abnormally elevated or irritable moods that last at least a week and impair functioning. But not all become depressed ” (American Psychological Association, 2015). Bipolar disorder can vary in each individual. The symptoms fluctuate in pattern, severity and rate of recurrence. Some people are more susceptible to either mania or depression, while others change proportionately between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others live through a few throughout their lifetime.

On the other end of the spectrum, those suffering from bipolar disorder also go through periods known as “depressive episodes” characterized by long periods anxiety, feelings of inadequacy or emptiness, feelings of unwarranted guilt, and helplessness. During these episodes of depression individuals with bipolar disorder may experience behavioral changes such as having issues concentrating, problems remembering things, and difficulty in making decisions. They may also feel continually tired even when well rested, feel restless or irritable or experience changes in eating habits. In some cases, during depressive

Bipolar disorders has its highs and lows and sometimes can be simply mis diagnosed as having depression by the patient, relatives, friends, and even physician. It wasn’t that long ago when bipolar disorder was confused with other disorders such as unipolar depression or schizophrenia. Doctors have come along way in fully understanding different moods in this disorder and making an accurate diagnosis. With great understanding of this mental disorder, doctors can now identify the signs and symptom. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between two episodes. They are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorders mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms. Some of the symptoms are:

Bipolar Disorder has many symptoms, but the main ones are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. Mania symptoms may include excessive happiness, excitement, irritability, restlessness, increased energy, less need for sleep, racing thoughts, high sex drive, and a tendency to make grand and unattainable plans. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide, but Bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive

A manic episode is characterized by an abnormality of mood that is euphoric, expansive, and elevated or irritable with increased energy, along with signs and symptoms such as inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep. Pressure of speech or being extremely talkative, racing thoughts or flight of ideas, distractibility, an increase in goal-directed behavior, agitation, poor judgment and impulsive decision making are more signs and symptoms of a manic episode. A manic episode can result in unwise and potentially dangerous behavior. Destructive behaviors can often occur with spending money, sexual

As I stated earlier, bipolar disorder consists of shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. This can mean someone can seem very sad and depressed for a long period of time and then a period of extreme happiness. These can be shown in mood or behavioral changes and can be shown in how well they are able to concentrate, how much sleep they are getting, or even if they have thoughts of suicide (NIMH). Although the easiest way to spot bipolar is through extreme mood swings, it can still be present when such mood swings are less noticeable. It is important to look out for even the smallest mood swings because if they are frequent enough it can be a sign of one having bipolar disorder.

During this state a person may talk very fast, jump from one idea to the next or become easily distracted. The second episode is caused by an extremely sad or hopeless state called depressive episode. While in a depressive episode the person may feel tired or slowed down, they may become restless or irritable, or may even Schizophrenia vs. Bipolar disorder Page 5 think of death or consider attempting suicide. Though the majority of the episodes associated with bipolar depression may be categorized in either manic or depressive episodes, there are some cases where a person has symptoms of both. The act of showing manic and depressive symptoms is known as a “mixed state”.