BIPOLAR DISORDER (formerly called manic depression and manic depressive disorder) comes in may varieties and is caused by by many factors,
I have the Rapid-cycling variation of bipolar there are no two like case one bipolar sufferer will be completely different to another bipolar sufferer.
Below is a little background to bipolar and following that MY personal condition is explained . . . .
All of us experience changes in our moods. Some days we might feel irritable and frustrated; other days, we’re happy and excited. However, individuals with bipolar disorder experience severe mood swings that impair their daily life and negatively affect their relationships. Many episodes of depression can lead to suicide. A recent survey revealed that 6/10 bipolar sufferers have tried to end their life at least one time. 8/10 sufferers have suicidal thoughts and 3/10 people with bipolar will succeed in taking their own life.
On the flip side episodes of Mania (manic) or hypo-mania can be equally dagerous and disruptive to the life of a bipolar sufferer.
Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with medication and psychotherapy. With proper treatment, individuals with bipolar can lead fulfilling, productive lives. This is why it’s so important to recognize the symptoms and see a mental health professional for an evaluation.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
There is no single cause for bipolar disorder. Indeed, like all psychological disorders, bipolar disorder is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including:
- Genetic: Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, so researchers believe there is a genetic predisposition for the disorder. Scientists also are exploring the presence of abnormalities on specific genes.
- Biological: Researchers believe that some neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, don’t function properly in individuals with bipolar disorder.
- Environmental: Outside factors, such as stress or a major life event, may trigger a genetic predisposition or potential biological reaction. For instance, if bipolar disorder was entirely genetic, both identical twins would have the disorder. But research reveals that one twin can have bipolar, while the other does not, implicating the environment as a potential contributing cause.
What Are the Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?
- Bipolar I is considered the classic type of bipolar disorder. Individuals experience both manic and depressive episodes of varying lengths.
- Bipolar II involves less severe manic episodes than bipolar I; however, their depressive episodes are the same.
- Cyclothymia is a chronic but milder form of bipolar disorder, characterized by episodes of hypomania and depression that last for at least two years.
- Mixed episodes are ones in which mania and depression occur simultaneously. Individuals might feel hopeless and depressed yet energetic and motivated to engage in risky behaviors.
- Rapid-cycling bipolar individuals experience four or more episodes of mania, depression or both within one year.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
There are four possible bipolar states:
- Mania
- Hypomania
- Depression
- A mixture of mania and depression (called a “mixed episode”).
Mood states are highly variable. Some people can experience mood changes in one week, while others can spend months or even years in one episode.
MY BIPOLAR AND WHAT I EXPERIENCE
I have the RAPID CYCLING variation of bipolar which mean I can 4-6 episodes of extreme highs and miserable lows in the space of 12 months. Rapid cycling makes life extremely difficult for me and people around me. just as we are all getting used to my state of mind , suddenly i’m on the change again
What Does My Mania Look Like?
- Feelings of euphoria and elation or irritability and anger
- Impulsive, high-risk behavior, including grand shopping sprees, alcohol abuse and sexual promiscuity (i turn into a randy little sod)
- Aggressive behavior
- Increased energy and rapid speech
- Fleeting, often grandiose ideas
- Decreased sleep (typically the individual doesn’t feel tired after as few as three hours of sleep)
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty concentrating; disorganized thoughts
- Inflated self-esteem
- Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)
- extreme creativity
What Does Hypomania Look Like?
Hypomania is less severe than a full-blown manic episode. Hypomanic individuals can seem pleasant, friendly, energetic and productive. Though it doesn’t sound problematic, increasing hypomania can lead to risky behaviors and full mania.
What Does Depression Look Like?
- Feelings of hopelessness and sadness
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities; loss of energy (sometimes to the point of inability to get out of bed)
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Feelings of worthlessness and inappropriate guilt
- Inability to concentrate or make a decision
- Thoughts of death and suicide
What Does a Mixed Episode Look Like?
Mixed episodes involve simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression, including irritability, depressed mood, extreme energy, thoughts of suicide and changes in sleep and appetite.
A Note about Suicide
Because of the high suicide risk in those with bipolar disorder, it’s important to note the warning signs. In addition to those mentioned in the depression symptoms above, others include:
- Withdrawing from loved ones and isolating oneself
- Talking or writing about death or suicide
- Putting personal affairs in order
- Previous attempts
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