What Is Bipolar Disorder. - 1101 Words

What is Bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depression, is a mental disorder. This condition primarily affects your mood and can cause extreme mood swings from elation to depression. Individuals with bipolar disorder can experience serious changes in thinking, energy and behaviour. If you have bipolar disorder you are likely to experience what are referred to as ‘episodes’ or states. The different types of episodes are; †¢ Mania – feeling extremely happiness or euphoria (high) †¢ Depressive episodes, also known as dysthymia (low) †¢ Psychotic states can also be observed with people with bipolar disorder during manic or depressive†¦show more content†¦This type presents itself with serious mood changes from mania and depression. These episodes can last days, weeks or months depending on the individual and how severe their episodes are. †¢ Bipolar 2 disorder – This is a milder form of bipolar disorder. The person still experiences mania and depressive episodes but they are not as extreme as bipolar 1. †¢ Cyclothymic disorder – This type describes a type of bipolar disorder that the person still experiences mania and depression, however, the episodes are short lasting and not as extensive. Diagnosis If you experience any of signs and symptoms above and believe you may have bipolar disorder you need to make an appointment with your GP. To help your doctor make a diagnosis they may ask the following; †¢ What symptoms are you experiencing? †¢ How long do your episodes last? †¢ How the symptoms affect your daily life? The doctor may perform some tests to rule out physical causes for your symptoms i.e. check your thyroid which can sometimes cause mania-like symptoms. If your doctor believes you to have bipolar disorder they will refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, this mental health professional is the only person who can officially diagnose you with the disorder. If you intend to hurt yourself or others they will make this appointment immediately. If youShow MoreRelatedWhat Is Bipolar Disorder?1546 Words   |  7 PagesWhat Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes uncommon shifts in mood, energy, ability to perform daily routines and another terminology is â€Å"manic-depressive illness†. According to American Psychiatric Association â€Å"Bipolar diagnosed patients can lead full and productive lives†. This isn’t by any means harmful or threatening but can be well managed, controlled and yield positives because it can be treated. How Can Bipolar Behavior Be Recognized? 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