About Types Of Bipolar Disorder: Types Of Bipolar Disorder

Read about the types of bipolar disorder and how it can lead to depression. Depression not only affects the person who is going through it, but also everyone around them, including friends, family, loved ones, spouses, and children.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorders involving mania and depression. Bipolar disorder which is also known as manic depression' causes extreme mood swings which if not managed can interfere with the daily life and can also become extremely dangerous.

On a good day the person will be full of energy and be able to achieve much which may also be cause for concern and then on bad days they feel so depressed that he/she cannot even get out of bed. It is a life long disorder and if not treated the symptoms will occur over and over again.

Types of bipolar disorder are:

Bipolar 1 and Mania disorder causes severe mood swings' from mania to depression. Only in rare cases' they experience only mania. The difference between bipolar I and bipolar II is the severity and duration of the phase' which can vary from a week to several months. Sufferers are prone to risky behavior and for their own safety it is best that they are hospitalized. The symptoms are rapid speed' disconnected thoughts' insomnia' unrealistic ideas' extreme irritability' hallucinations' feelings of omnipotence' violent behavior' paranoia' a remarkable increase in strength and openly promiscuous activity.

Bipolar II and Hypomania disorder suffers from severe depression with occasional `mild’ mania episodes' called hypomania. The danger in this disorder is quite often the hypomanic episode makes them feel so good that bipolar patients discontinue medication only to experience worse symptoms and more difficulty to bring it under control. While it is said that Bipolar II is milder than Bipolar I' the suicide rate in Bipolar II is however higher than those with Bipolar I.

Cyclothymic disorder swings between hypomania and mild depression. It is not as severe as either Bipolar I or II' but tends to stay on for longer periods. Sufferers can become either victims of full-blown bipolar disorder or can continue as a mild condition.

Mixed bipolar disorder has both mania and depression at the same time. The sufferer may be high in energy but at the same time may be irritable' angry' moody which can be dangerous risking suicide.

Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder has four or more mood episodes during a 12 month cycle. It is possible for some people to experience multiple episodes within a single week' or may even be within the same day. Rapid cycling usually occurs in the latter part of the illness. Women are more prone than men to have rapid cycling which can increase the risk of severe depression and attempts of suicide.

In between all kinds of mood swings' the sufferer will have a normal range of moods.

Bipolar disorders range from mild to severe but the good news is that they can all be managed and controlled with early detection and proper treatment.