The Various Bipolar Disease Types

There are many names which can be given to bipolar disorder and some of these include bipolar affective disorder, manic-depressive illness, manic depression, bipolar mod disorder and manic-depressive disorder. The general symptoms that people with bipolar disorder often experience include unusual shifts in mood, energy, behavior and normal functioning ability. The mood swings can be from high periods of mania to low episodes of depression. The severity of the disorder will determine the frequency of the mood swings. There are different categories that bipolar diseases can be placed under and this will depend on the type of symptoms that are being shown by the person affected. These categories or types include bipolar 1 disorder, bipolar disorder 2, cyclothymic disorder and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified.

Type 1: Bipolar Disorder 1

Most people suffering from bipolar disorder 1, or sometimes called bipolar 1 disorder, experience both the bipolar mania and depression. This type of bipolar disorder is distinguished from bipolar disorder 2 in terms of the duration and severity of the bipolar manic phase, which could last anywhere from weeks to a couple of months.

# 2 Bipolar Disorder 2

Periods of severe depression occasionally accompanied by episodes of mild mania known as hypomania is what is experienced by people with this type of disorder. Even though there are no delusions experienced with bipolar disorder 2, mental functioning is still impaired.

# 3 Cyclothymic Disorders

People with cyclothymic bipolar disorder experience alternate attacks of mild depression and hypomania.  It lasts longer than the bipolar disorders 1 and 2 with no break in the manifestation of symptoms but is not as severe.  

# 4 Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

Any of the symptoms that don’t meet any of the categories of bipolar disorder would fall under this type of disorder. These include recurrent episodes of hypomanic phase without depression, rapid alternation between depressive symptoms and manic symptoms, and hypomanic episodes that are associated with chronic depression.

Bipolar disorder 1 is the most severe of all the types of bipolar disorders. It will possibly have a high frequency of recurrence if left untreated. This type has an estimated 15% death risk by suicide rate. It also considered as third on the list of leading causes of death among people aged fifteen to twenty-four years old.

Bipolar 1 Symptoms

Both manic and depression phases is experienced with bipolar 1 disorder and the usual symptoms like unusual happiness and sadness ,grandiose delusions, pressured speech, change in eating and sleeping patterns and suicidal attempts can also be expected. 

Treatment for Bipolar 1

Most commonly used medications used to control the symptoms of bipolar 1 are anti-psychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. Other medications may also be prescribed to help manage restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Psychotherapy is also the treatment of choice in some cases.

Having Bipolar disorder 1 or any other bipolar disorder for that matter should not be taken lightly since it can be fatal due to suicide if not treated. Treatment should be acquired straight away once symptoms are evident.