What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the capacity to complete daily tasks. There are four types of bipolar disorder, all of which involve distinct mood changes that range from high (manic) episodes to low (depressive) episodes.
The fours types of bipolar disorder are:
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes that last at least seven days or manic symptoms that are severe enough to require immediate hospitalization. Depressive episodes usually occur as well and last at least two weeks. This type may also cause mixed states that involve symptoms of mania and depression at the same time.
Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar II disorder involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Unlike full-blown mania, hypomania is less severe.
Cyclothymia
This disorder occurs when you experience many periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms, but they don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for a hypomanic or depressive episode.
Unspecified disorders
This group includes all unspecified disorders that involve symptoms of bipolar disorder but don’t fit into any of the three defined categories.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder involves shifts between high and low moods. Symptoms of a manic episode include:
- Feeling elated
- Having a lot of energy
- Being extremely active
- Having trouble sleeping
- Feeling jumpy or wired
- Talking fast and jumping to different subjects
- Being irritable or agitated
- Having racing thoughts
- Taking on many projects at once
People in manic states may also engage in risky behavior, like spending a lot of money or having promiscuous sex.
Signs and symptoms of a depressive episode include:
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Having little energy
- Decreased activity levels
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Lack of joy in activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Eating too much or too little
- Thinking about death or suicide
A mixed episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time. For example, you may feel sad or hopeless while having excessive energy.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Dr. Ziyar performs a comprehensive psychological evaluation to diagnose the type of bipolar disorder you have. He then discusses treatment options and encourages you to take an active role in your treatment plan.
Treatment for bipolar disorder typically includes a combination of psychotherapy and medications.
If you think you may have bipolar disorder, call the office of Latif Ziyar, M.D., Inc, or book an appointment online today.
