What Different Types Of Bipolar Are There

Signs And Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime.

There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms.

What Are The Side Effects Of Bipolar Disorder Medications

Side effects of bipolar disorder medications are common and vary by medication. Its important to talk with your healthcare provider about what you can expect when taking certain medications. Its also important to tell them if youre experiencing side effects.

Never stop taking your medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Abruptly stopping medication can cause severe side effects and trigger severe episodes.

The most common side effects of bipolar disorder medications include:

• Akathisia feelings of restlessness and agitation with a compelling need to move, rock or pace.

Bipolar Disorder Vs Cyclothymia: Whats The Difference

The highs and lows of cyclothymia are less extreme and less severe than those of bipolar disorder, but they can interfere with your ability to function and increase your risk of developing bipolar I or II disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. The highs include symptoms of an elevated mood , and the lows are characterized by mild to moderate symptoms of depression.

When you have cyclothymia, you can typically function day to day and handle normal activities. But the mood swings are unpredictable and may significantly disrupt your life without much warning.

The highs of cyclothymia, Mayo Clinic experts say, may include:

• Euphoria an excessive feeling of happiness or well-being
• Excessive optimism and inflated self-esteem
• Unusual talkativity
• Poor judgment that can lead to poor choices or risky behaviors
• Racing thoughts
• Excessive amounts of physical activity
• Elevated drive to reach ones goals, whether sexual, social, or work-related
• Reduced need for sleep

The lows of cyclothymia, according to the Mayo Clinic, may include:

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Irritability, especially in children and teenagers
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Weight fluctuations

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Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2

The main difference between type 1 and type 2 bipolar is full manic episodes. Bipolar II patients dont go beyond hypomania. Second, bipolar II disorder has more frequent cycling than bipolar I disorder. It also has a more chronic course than type 1.

When it comes to diagnosis, it is much easier to confirm bipolar 1 than bipolar 2. This is because type 1 looks for evidence of a manic episode. Type 2 depends on identifying hypomania after emerging from a depressive state.

Bipolar II patients are more likely to commit suicide than those with bipolar I disorder.

What Are The Different Types Of Mood Disorders

These are the most common types of mood disorders:

• Major depression. Having less interest in usual activities, feeling sad or hopeless, and other symptoms for at least 2 weeks may indicate depression.

• Dysthymia. This is a chronic, low-grade, depressed, or irritable mood that lasts for at least 2 years.

• Bipolar disorder. This is a condition in which a person has periods of depression alternating with periods of mania or elevated mood.

• Mood disorder related to another health condition. Many medical illnesses can trigger symptoms of depression.

• Substance-induced mood disorder. Symptoms of depression that are due to the effects of medicine, drug abuse, alcoholism, exposure to toxins, or other forms of treatment.

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What Are The Signs Of Bipolar Disorder

Individuals that suffer from bipolar disorder often experience intense mood swings, or mood episodes. These mood episodes range from behaviors and feelings of intense highs and lows . A manic or depressive episode often lasts most of the day and can last for long periods .

Theres a wide range of bipolar symptoms due to the nature of the condition. Here are some common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, separated by manic episodes and depressive episodes.

Symptoms of a Manic Episode

• Feeling very up, high, or extremely irritable
• Feeling more active than usual
• Less need for sleep, but still experience high levels of energy
• Racing thoughts
• Intense urge for pleasurable activities like food, drinking, and sex
• Feeling unusually important, talented, or powerful

Symptoms of a Depressive Episode

• Feeling extremely down or anxious
• Feeling restless
• Lack of interest in all areas of your life
• Feeling hopeless or worthless

As briefly discussed earlier, bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose. This is because bipolar disorder symptoms can resemble other mental health conditions. Likewise, the wide range of symptoms and the rather unpredictable nature of the disorder can make it difficult to diagnose the different forms of bipolar. Other factors, like drug use, can influence symptoms, making it more difficult to diagnose.

Suicidal Thoughts Or Behaviors

The bipolar types can be life-threatening. People with any type of bipolar condition may have suicidal thoughts, make suicide attempts, or succeed in taking their own lives. Because of this, its important to get help if you or someone you know is showing signs of bipolar disorder.

If you think you may have bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what type of bipolar condition you have and create a treatment plan. Treatment for bipolar disorder often includes medication and therapy. With treatment, people with bipolar disorder can live full and happy lives.

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Loss Of Interest In Activities

When people are depressed, they may lose interest in activities or hobbies that they once enjoyed. This can be one of the first signs that something is wrong. For example, someone who used to love going out on walks may suddenly stop doing so. And it might not just be one activity they may lose interest in many things.

Bipolar Disorder: How Many Types Are There

Bipolar Spectrum Disorder , previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These shifts are more severe than the normal ups and downs that are experienced by everyone.

According to the Center for Disease Control , BSD affects nearly 4 percent of Americans in any given year and seems to have been increasing over the last few decades. Additionally, BSD is more common in women than men, with a ratio of approximately 3:2. There is no one cause of BSD, although research indicates it does run in families.

There are, in fact, at least four distinct types of BSD: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified. The distinction between the types is related to the severity of the symptoms some people suffer with mild mood swings while others have trouble staying out of hospitals or jails.

Some of the core symptoms often associated with BSD includes periods of:

• Abnormally elevated, depressed, or anxious mood
• Grandiose notions, ideas or plans
• Increased talking or pressured speech
• Too many thoughts racing though the mind

Here are just a few of the valuable things you will learn:

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Patterns Of Depression And Mania

If you have bipolar disorder, you may have episodes of depression more regularly than episodes of mania, or vice versa.

Between episodes of depression and mania, you may sometimes have periods where you have a “normal” mood.

The patterns are not always the same and some people may experience:

• rapid cycling where a person with bipolar disorder repeatedly swings from a high to a low phase quickly without having a “normal” period in between
• mixed state where a person with bipolar disorder experiences symptoms of depression and mania together for example, overactivity with a depressed mood

If your mood swings last a long time but are not severe enough to be classed as bipolar disorder, you may be diagnosed with a mild form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymia.

What Are Your Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on which type of bipolar disorder you have, and what your symptoms are. Most of the time, youll need medication to manage your symptoms, along with therapy. Medications that may be used include:

Antidepressants Antipsychotics Mood stabilizers Anti-anxiety medications

Sometimes traditional medication therapy isnt enough. At Boston MindCare, our doctors offer a unique treatment option when nothing else has worked. Ketamine infusion therapy can help the symptoms of depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It works by inhibiting glutamate in your brain to stabilize your mood.

Like many of the other medications used to treat this disorder, ketamine comes with some side effects, so its important to talk to our doctors to see if this treatment is right for you.

You dont need to deal with bipolar disorder on your own. If youre looking for help, call our office at 701-207-9841 or book an appointment online today.

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What Medications Are Used To Treat Bipolar Disorder

Certain medications can help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. You may need to try several different medications, with guidance from your healthcare provider, before finding what works best.

Medications healthcare providers generally prescribe to treat bipolar disorder include:

• Mood stabilizers.
• Second-generation neuroleptics .
• Antidepressants.

If youre taking medication for bipolar disorder, you should:

• Talk with your healthcare provider to understand the risks, side effects and benefits of the medication.
• Tell your healthcare provider about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or supplements youre already taking.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if youre experiencing concerning side effects. They may need to change your dose or try a different medication.
• Remember that medication for bipolar disorder must be taken consistently, as prescribed.

Mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder

People with bipolar disorder typically need mood-stabilizing medication to manage manic or hypomanic episodes.

Types of mood stabilizers and their brand names include:

Thyroid gland and kidney problems can sometimes develop when taking lithium, so your healthcare provider will monitor the function of your thyroid and kidneys, as well as monitor the levels of lithium in your blood, as levels can easily become too high.

The following are signs of lithium toxicity . Call your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

Increased Risk Of Substance Abuse

This is often seen as a way of self-medicating the symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, it can lead to even more problems and make it harder to manage the condition. As the studies have found, people with bipolar disorder are more likely than the general population to develop substance abuse problems.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Cyclothymia

Symptoms of cyclothymia include mood swings that alternate between episodes of hypomania and mild depression.

While mood changes in bipolar I and II disorders happen over weeks, months and sometimes even years, mood changes in cyclothymia can happen spontaneously over brief periods even within the same day.

Hypomania symptoms in cyclothymia

Hypomania is a condition in which you have a period of abnormally elevated, extreme changes in your mood or emotions, energy level and activity level. This energized level of energy, mood and behavior must be a change from your usual self and be noticeable to others. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania.

Signs and symptoms of hypomania include:

• Increased energy and less need for sleep.
• Rapid speech and racing thoughts.
• Being easily distracted.
• Having an increased focus on goals, including work, school and social goals.
• Participating in risky activities or activities that lack good judgment, such as spending sprees, reckless sexual encounters or impulsive business decisions.
• Higher-than-normal level of self-esteem.

Depressive symptoms in cyclothymia

A depressive episode involves feelings of hopelessness and a decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities. The symptoms of depressive episodes in cyclothymia are milder than those of major depression.

Signs and symptoms of a depressive episode include:

Bipolar Disorder And Suicide

The depressive phase of bipolar disorder is often very severe, and suicide is a major risk factor. In fact, people suffering from bipolar disorder are more likely to attempt suicide than those suffering from regular depression. Furthermore, their suicide attempts tend to be more lethal.

The risk of suicide is even higher in people with bipolar disorder who have frequent depressive episodes, mixed episodes, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, a family history of suicide, or an early onset of the disease.

Suicide warning signs include:

• Feeling worthless or like a burden to others.

• Acting recklessly, as if one has a death wish.
• Putting affairs in order or saying goodbye.
• Seeking out weapons or pills that could be used to commit suicide.

Take any thoughts or talk of suicide seriously

If you or someone you care about is suicidal, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. at 988 or visit IASP or Suicide.org to find a helpline in your country. You can also read Suicide Prevention.

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Cyclothymia Vs Bipolar Disorder

Whats the Difference? Only a doctor can accurately make the clinical distinction between cyclothymia and bipolar disorder. Generally speaking, the symptoms of major bipolar depression are debilitating and can include an inability to get out of bed, feeling overwhelmed or unable to make even the simplest decisions, and having obsessive thoughts, especially about loss, personal failure, or guilt. These symptoms, which can be long-lasting, affect your ability to function, and can dramatically reduce your quality of life.

The same kinds of symptoms may be present in cyclothymic depression, but theyre less severe in degree. Cyclothymic symptoms may last no more than two weeks and may cause less of a disruption in your daily routine. The true mania of bipolar disorder, essentially the opposite of major depression, can likewise be debilitating. It may be accompanied by feelings of euphoria and indestructibility that can include reckless behaviors.

How To Manage Bipolar Types

If you are suffering from any type of bipolar disorder, it is important to seek professional help. A qualified mental health provider can give you a proper diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment plan. Also, there are some things that you can do to manage any bipolar type effectively.

So here are some tips on how to manage different types of bipolar disorder:

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Bipolar Disorder Is A Mental Health Disorder Characterized By Episodes Of Mood Swings Ranging From Depressive Lows To Manic Highs

The exact causes of bipolar disorder are unknown, but a combination of factors like genetics, environment, and altered brain chemistry and structure are believed to contribute to the onset of bipolar disorder. As with many other mental disorders, bipolar disorder is a multifaceted condition, and different kinds exist. With that said, the question were answering today is: how many types of bipolar disorder are there?

What Are The Treatments For Bipolar Disorder

Treatment can help many people, including those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder. The main treatments for bipolar disorder include medicines, psychotherapy, or both:

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. But long-term, ongoing treatment can help manage your symptoms and enable you to live a healthy, successful life.

NIH: National Institute of Mental Health

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What Types Of Therapy Are Used To Treat Bipolar Disorder

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can be an effective part of the treatment plan for people with bipolar disorder.

Psychotherapy is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help you identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Working with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide support, education and guidance to you and your family.

Different types of therapy for bipolar disorder include:

Different Types Of Bipolar Disorder

Each type of bipolar disorder is identified by the pattern of mania and depressive episodes. The treatment that is best for you may differ depending on the type.

Common symptoms of a manic episode include three or more of these symptoms:

• Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
• Increased activity, energy or agitation
• Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence

• Loss of interest in activities that the person typically enjoys
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

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Differences Between Bipolar I And Bipolar Ii

Bipolar I and II are similar in that periods of elevated mood and symptoms of depression can occur in both types of the condition.

The main difference between the two types is the degree to which mania presents.

In bipolar I disorder, a person experiences a full manic episode, which causes extreme changes in mood and energy. Symptoms are severe enough that they may interfere with a person’s functioning at home, school, or work.

Less severe symptoms occur during a hypomanic episode, which are present in bipolar II disorder. In hypomania, a person experiences an elevated mood, but it isn’t as intense and doesn’t last as long as a manic episode.

Ultimately, these types share similar symptoms, but the way in which they are experienced can be different.

• Thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts

Build A Support System

It is important to have a support system in place when you are dealing with bipolar disorder. This could be a group of friends or family members who can offer emotional support. It is also important to find a therapist or counselor who can help you manage your condition. Because when you share your feelings with someone who understands, it can make all the difference.

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