mixed episodes bipolar
During the course of our lives, we all experience ups and downs. Some days we feel happy and care free, while on other days we can not shake the blues. Although we can find these annoying mood swings, not disrupt our lives.
In some people, more specifically, those diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Mood swings are so drastic and severe that those suffering from the disease often can not function in the normal world. Once called manic depressive illness responsible for these drastic mood swings are now called bipolar disorder.
Those suffering from the disease in one of the four subcategories of the disease. These subgroups include bipolar I, bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder and Bipolar NOS.
In order for a patient to be classified as bipolar I, should having experienced at least one or more manic or mixed episodes. During a manic episode patients have a very elated or euphoric. Along with a state exalted mood, patients are usually also increase the mental or physical ability. They also require little sleep during these episodes.
That sounds great, right? So what's the problem? Although manic episodes may lead to exalted mood, those suffering a manic episode may be suspicious or irritated, has a low attention span or are easily distracted. Worse still, a deep depression can sometimes follow one of these euphoric periods.
During these periods of depression, the patient may be unable to achieve, even out of bed each day. These people may also suffer from what is called a mixed episode. This is defined as a period of time when symptoms of mania and clinical depression can occur simultaneously. Bipolar individuals are often more dangerous, sometimes another, but mostly to themselves, in this state as their state of mind are in constant flux and can change easily.
Of the four subcategories of bipolar disorder, more people are diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. To be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, the patient should be suffered at least one hypomanic phase and a depressive phase. A hypomanic phase is similar to a manic phase, but usually not as debilitating or destructive as the manic phase can be.
The third subgroup of bipolar disorder Cyclothymic Disorder. Bipolar in this subgroup often show signs of mood Cycling of hypomania to depression, but those around them usually accept the mood swings as a personality trait rather than a disorder. In addition, periods of depression do not meet all the criteria for a major depressive episode.
The sub-session of this disorder is bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS). This subgroup contains generally those who suffer from some form of bipolar disorder, but not falling into any of the subcategories above.
Bipolar disorder is a disease of variations in the state of mind. It can cause havoc in the lives of people who suffer with it and also those who must try to live and work with these people. There is help for those diagnosed with some form of bipolar disorder. Do not lose hope.
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Bipolar Disorder Is More Than Just Mood Swings
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