A lot of research has gone into understanding of bipolar disorders. In fact, part of a comprehensive treatment program is for a patient and their family to delve into this research. Knowing all the facets of the disorder can actually make working the treatment program less stressful. First, here are the classifications of the different types of bipolar disorder.
- Bipolar I disorder. This is the most intense and troubling level of a bipolar disorder. When a patient begins to experience the elevated emotional upheavals that are symptomatic of this type of bipolar disorder, they can put many aspects of their own lives at risk. A person’s career, academic studies and even home life can all feel the devastating impact from these intense mood swings.
- Bipolar II disorder. In the ranking of bipolar classifications, Bipolar II does not manifest itself with such acute extremes as Bipolar I. A person suffering from this type of the disorder could experience those same forms of heightened moods; however, these sufferers will find easy methods to cope with their emotional highs and lows. One word of caution for this type of bipolar disorder: the sessions of depression that a sufferer feels could end up stretching out for longer periods of time than with the sessions with the up side of their emotional cycles.
- Cyclothymia. This classification is assigned to people with the mildest diagnosed type of bipolar disorder. A person will still experience those emotional swings between highs and lows; however, when compared with other classifications of the disorder, these episodes are considered relatively tame.
Manic Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
There are two sets of active symptoms that a person with bipolar disorder needs to manage: the manic side and the depression side. In the manic side they will exhibit:
- Euphoria
- Bad judgments
- High optimism
- Fast talking
- Aggression
- Irritation
- Need for more physical action
- Spending sprees
- Increased sexual desires
- Lack of need for sleep
- Lack of focus
- Reckless use of drugs and/or alcohol
Depressive Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
On the depression side they will exhibit:
- Deep sadness
- Hopelessness
- Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
- High anxiety and guilt
- Appetite disruption
- Tiredness
- Loss of interest in activities
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be triggered by many outside factors; however, the underlying issue is a problem associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain. This is why the first course of action for treatment will often involved prescribed drug therapies. Once emotional balance has been restored, ongoing therapy can help create lifestyle choices that decrease the potential for mood swing episodes.
These bipolar treatment programs are developed by a team of caring doctors, therapists and psychiatrists. A person can begin their treatment with a stay an inpatient rehabilitation facility. They can also find many support groups both online and in their communities to further the work of lifestyle management. The toll-free number on this page has more resource information available 24/7.