These disorders consist of alternating periods of elevated, expansive, or irritable moods, called manic episodes. However, patients’ moods may not necessarily follow a cyclic pattern, and sometimes the highs and lows can be experienced at the same time (mixed state).
They also include periods of feeling worthless, a lack of concentration, and fatigue called depressive episodes.
Mania often involves sleeplessness, sometimes for days, along with hallucinations, psychosis, grandiose delusions, or paranoid rage.
Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any. It is a complex disorder that likely stems from a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors.
There are three types of bipolar disorder. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels.
*Bipolar I Disorder
*Bipolar II Disorder
*Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothymia)
A definite cause for any type of depression is difficult to determine but include: genetics, changes in the brain, environmental factors like stress and major life change.
Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. Occasionally, bipolar symptoms can appear in children.
Manic-Depressive Disorder
