Bipolar disorder types and affect on peoples

Bipolar disorder types and affect on peoples

What is bipolar?
Bipolar disorder used to be referred to as manic depression, and some people still use this term. It can sometimes be called bipolar affective disorder too.

High or 'manic' periods typically consist of:

• Feeling euphoric, excited, confident, ambitious or adventurous
• Having racing thoughts, a feeling of not being able to get their words out fast enough, difficulty concentrating on one thing
• Increased sex drive
• Excessive or extravagant spending
• Not feeling like eating or sleeping
• A feeling of being special, invincible or having enhanced physical and mental abilities
• In some cases, experiencing  symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations or delusions.

Low, or depressive periods share a lot of characteristics with depression. They usually include:

• Feeling down, hopeless, empty, upset or tearful
• Low self-esteem, lack of confidence, feeling guilty or worthless
• Tired, heavy, sluggish feelings. Lack of motivation and inability to enjoy things
• Feeling tense, frustrated, agitated
• Suicidal thoughts and feelings.  

Some people also experience 'mixed' episodes, where they feel elements of both high and low moods.

There are several different types of bipolar:

• Bipolar I: Mostly mania with some periods of depression (although some people do not have any).
• Bipolar II: A mixture of manic and depressive episodes.
• Cyclothymia:  A mixture of manic and depressive episodes which are either not frequent enough or pronounced enough to require a Bipolar II diagnosis.

Only a psychiatrist can diagnose bipolar. They will make a diagnosis by asking questions about a person's thoughts and feelings. They may also ask about someone's family history.

How does bipolar affect people's lives?
Bipolar can make life very difficult. It can disrupt home-life, work, relationships, finances and physical health. If someone has bipolar they will probably experience symptoms to varying degrees for much of their lives. This doesn't mean they will not be able to live full and healthy lives, however.

During times of high mood, someone might act in a way which seems strange to others. They might make risky decisions or spend money they can't afford. When someone returns to a 'normal' or depressed mood they can feel embarrassed, ashamed or regretful. The risky decision-making can also put them in danger.

Source: Time to Change