Have you experienced a drastic shift in moods rapidly switching from sadness to extraordinary elation?
You could be experiencing Bipolar Disorder. However, Bipolar Disorder is much more complicated than the assumed emotional rollercoaster.
What happens in these rapidly changing mood swings and how long do they last?
As previously mentioned, rapid emotional ups and downs are involved, however, bipolar disorder can cause these emotions to reach abnormally high and low levels. At times, the highs will feel extremely exciting or energetic. Also, the lows can cause someone to feel like they are falling into a deep depression. These abnormal highs and lows can last for weeks or even months.
Bipolar 1 Disorder and Bipolar 2 Disorder are the most common bipolar disorders. Both Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorders are characterized by episodes of extreme mood. The highs are commonly known as manic episodes. The lows are commonly known as depressive episodes.
How do I know which Bipolar Disorder I may have? Well, the main difference between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorder is the severity of the manic episodes caused by each type. A person with Bipolar 1 will experience a full manic episode, while a person with Bipolar 2 will experience only a hypomanic episode (a period that is less severe than a full manic episode). A person with Bipolar 1 may or may not experience a major depressive episode, while a person with Bipolar 2 will experience a major depressive episode.
You may be asking yourself, I have felt these symptoms before but what other symptoms may be included in Bipolar Disorder? Well, let’s take a look at other common Bipolar 1 Disorder symptoms.
Bipolar 1 Disorder Symptoms
Have you ever experienced sudden feelings of euphoria or has anyone told you that you have risky behaviors? These are some of the symptoms of a manic episode. But what is a manic episode? The symptoms of a manic episode are usually so obvious and intrusive that there’s little doubt that something is abnormal. The symptoms of a manic episode may result in reckless behavior that can cause injury to the individual that may require hospital care. Additionally, manic episode symptoms may include the following.
● Exceptional energy
● Restlessness
● Trouble concentrating
● Feelings of euphoria (extreme happiness)
● Risky behaviors
● Poor sleep
An individual must have had at least one manic episode to be diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder. An individual with Bipolar 1 Disorder may or may not have a major depressive episode.
Bipolar 2 Disorder Symptoms
I don’t have severe manic episodes but I have been feeling extremely sad, could that be Bipolar Disorder? Well, Bipolar 2 disorder involves a major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode (a period that’s less severe than a manic episode). People with Bipolar 2 typically don’t experience manic episodes intense enough to require hospitalization.
Bipolar 2 is sometimes misdiagnosed as depression, as depressive symptoms may be the major symptom at the time the person seeks medical attention. When there are no manic episodes to suggest Bipolar Disorder, the depressive symptoms become the focus.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
How do I get help if I have Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that affects approximately 2.3 million Americans and generally requires life-long treatment. Well Coast Medical Center provides the necessary treatment for Bipolar Disorder. Whether that is medication or proper mental health therapy, Well Coast Medical Center is here to help!
