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Bipolar disorder is divided into two types, bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. These are diagnosed by a psychiatrist through use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV-TR (DSM-IV-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by Mania and Major Depression. Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by Hypomania and Major Depression.
On the following website: BehaveNet Clinical Capsule, it gives an overview of the DSM-IV-TR and the criteria for bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder consists of mood swings. The different states range from depression to hypomania to mania and back to depression again. The consumer with bipolar disorder may also experience normal mood states as well as mixed episodes. These mood states are discussed in more detail below.
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The following information was gathered from the BehaveNet Clinical Capsule website here. Hypomania is characterized by a feeling of elevated mood or of irritability. This must last for at least four days and must be different from the patients regular nondepressed mood. Some of the additional symptoms include:
- high self esteem
- less of a need for sleep
- very talkative and/or thoughts racing
- easily distracted
- starts many projects to fulfill personal or professional goals
- physical agitation such as tics, or uncontrolled movements of the muscles
- risky behavior in pleasurable activity such as too much gambling or promiscuity
Hypomania is basically a milder form of mania. Mania has the same requirements. However, the mood must last at least one week and there must be extreme impairment either in relationships with people or at work. There may also be psychosis in the mania stage. Psychosis is believing in delusional thoughts, things that are not true, such as thinking people are out to get you. It can also entail hallucinations which is seeing or hearing things that are not real. The information on mania can be found on the BehaveNet site here.
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Depression is also discussed on BehaveNet here. Major depression is characterized by:
- Sadness, low mood
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Significant increase or decrease in weight
- Significant increase or decrease in appetite
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Agitated or slow moving
- Tired, loss of energy
- Feeling worthless, hopeless, and helpless
- Difficulty thinking and concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
This must last for at least two weeks. These symptoms must also cause a great distress or impairment in social or occupational situations.The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) of Stanilaus County is available to give support for people suffering from bipolar disorder or major depression. The contact is Scott Hill at dmda55@hotmail.com or by calling 209-863-8468
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