3 Types Of Bipolar Disorder - Symptoms And Treatments

Bipolar affective disorders are the worst types of mental disease where your mood changes drastically and painfully affects the working of elements such as mood, energy, and interpersonal relationships daily.

Most people suffering from bipolar disorder are torn about this thing called living agonizingly, causing strain in relationships, job performances, and the basic comfort of living.

The cause of this mental illness is still unclear, but some new studies suggest that many hidden genetic factors can lead to it.

It is likely caused by brain structure problems and chemical imbalances.

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What Are the Most Common Types of Bipolar Disorder?

There are numerous types of bipolar disorder, and each classification comes up with its own unique mood episode patterns and characteristics.

For some, it can all be clouded with endless questions of, "How many types of bipolar disorder are there?" If so, the following sections shall provide relief:

Understanding the 3 types of bipolar disorder is important because it helps choose the right treatment.

Bipolar disorder includes some of the most recognized types of this condition.

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Bipolar I Disorder.

Bipolar I disorder is one of the types of bipolar affective disorder and is considered a "very severe" form.

Bipolar I disorder is very different from Bipolar II, as unipolar patients have fully developed years of episodic mood swings and a great number of true manic episodes.

These episodes can involve severe mania and may lead to hospital stays, which usually last about 7 days.

This happens when a person cannot function well. At other times, the person may feel very depressed.

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Primary Features of Bipolar I Disorder:

The manic episode is characterized by elation, a high level of energy, and impulsivity.

Depressive episodes are characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness and insignificance with corresponding fatigue, diminished concentration, and other such symptoms.

Occasionally, psychotic features may be encountered at their highest level, namely at the very extreme of mania, or in deep depressive states.

In some situations, very severe mania might require hospitalization.

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Symptoms of Mania in Bipolar I Disorder:

• Subjective patient states of euphoria, elation, or excessive self-confidence.
• Talking rapidly and thinking swiftly.
• They may do things that are clearly at risk, such as making costly purchases or engaging in substance abuse.
• Cohabitation with lack of sleep without feeling the side effects of sleep deprivation.
• Inability to decide about matters, that is poor concentration.

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Symptoms of Depression in Bipolar I Disorder:

• Feeling profoundly sad.
• Loss of interest for those activities that were considered pleasurable previously.
• Changes in the pattern and rhythm of sleep with either insomnia or hypersomnia.
• Fatigue and low energy levels.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide in severe cases

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2. Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is another classification under the different types of bipolar disorder and their symptoms, characterized by hypomania and major depressive episodes.

Individuals with bipolar II disorder do not experience severe manic episodes requiring hospitalization, unlike bipolar I disorder.

Key Features of Bipolar II Disorder:

• Hypomanic episodes are evident, although that does not lead to a significant amount of functionality or throw showing of hallucinations.
• The major depressive episodes must last at least two weeks and can be severe.
• The mood swings are significantly less dramatic than seen in bipolar I
• The potential for misdiagnosis of depression because of the lack of overt mania.

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Presentation of Hypomania in Bipolar II Disorder:

• Increased energy and activity.
• An increase in the ability to be creative and get work done.
• Feeling quite unusually happy, social, or talkative.
• Less need for sleep with no impact on social functioning.
• Increased confidence but not delusions.

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Depression in Bipolar II Disorder:

• Procrastination dimmed vision; everything depends on the conditions of various causes...
• Crying frequently and feelings of massive void.
• Don't hardly bring themselves to do anything; life is pain; death penalty.
• Peek at the first morning hour; try anything to feel a little better.
• Sleep laziness might be present, though normally, it would be a struggle.

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3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)

Cyclothymic disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is a milder but chronic form of bipolar disorder, falling under the types of bipolar affective disorders.

Patients have often experienced moods fluctuating between hypomanic and depressive symptoms, but these episodes do not meet the full criteria for bipolar disorder I or bipolar disorder II.

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Features of cyclothymic disorder:

• Chronic mood instability that lasts at least two years in adults, with the duration being at least one year in children and adolescents.
• Hypomanic symptoms occur in periods, whereas following these periods come mild depressive symptoms.
• Symptoms are less severe than those of I or II but still show descriptiveness in daily activities.
• The person may be moody, unpredictable, and emotionally labile.

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Symptoms of Hypomanic Episodes in Cyclothymia:

• Occasionally there are some fits of elevated energy or confidence.
• An increasing number of social activities and an increasing level of speech.
• Driving incessantly and unable to relax.
• Mild impulsiveness with no big brother.

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Symptoms of Depressive Episodes in Cyclothymia:?

• Some periods of feeling hopeless, unmotivated, or exhausted.
• Mild difficulties with attentiveness or judgment.
• Decreased interest in activities, but not as in major depression.
• Self-esteem issues or feelings of worthlessness.

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The cyclothymic disorder doesn't have big mood swings like other mood disorders, but it can still cause problems and affect relationships, work, and daily life.

If not treated, it can develop into bipolar I or II disorder.

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Symptoms that Aid in Diagnosis

The different types of bipolar disorder each come with unique collections of symptoms and it is imperative to approach a situation where this may entail urgent medical attention.

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1. Manic Symptoms (Bipolar 1 & Mixed Features)

• Either very high or severely low in one's own mood.
• Great feelings of elation or irritability.
• A lot of energy with hyperactivity, plus that characteristic of not feeling in need of adequate sleep.
• Thoughts go very fast yet a person talks nonstop.
• There is reckless behavior- for instance, spending without control and getting involved in substance abuse.
• A feeling of grandiosity, invincibility, or that one is confidently superior to almost anyone.

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2. Hypomanic Symptoms (Bipolar II & Cyclothymia)

• Feeling very good in mood but to a lesser extent than full mania.
• Talkativeness and increased socializing.
• Mild irritability or restlessness.
• Feeling so in flow, getting in business with others, or doing a project.
• Symptoms are not too bad that they interfere with your daily functioning.

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3. Symptoms of Depression (All Types)

• Sad constantly feeling on a high note or very low.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities enjoyed earlier.
• Fatigue and loss of energy.
• Poor concentration or decision-making abilities.
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt or guilt about the past.
• Suicidal ideas or self-justice notions.

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Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder cannot be diagnosed in any other way but by comprehensive evaluation done by a mental health professional.

Diagnosis universally entails the following disciplines:

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1. Detailed Psychiatric Assessment

This is orchestrated in order to create a longing for that which stops glory.

This means a clinical history of illness and any other diagnostic assessments. The severity of the case is critically scrutinized.

One might ask about what might have bothered him or her in the past; how his or her past life was and about any past illness he or she had.

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2. Family History Evaluation

The second most important factor is heritability in BD.

A family history of mood disorder, depression, or schizophrenia puts a person at greater risk.

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3. Mood Tracking Over Time

The skillful use of a mental health diary will help locate the problem, the cause, and any changes in symptoms.

Identifying the cycles of mania, hypomania, or depression will prove 100% helpful in steps to be taken for their management..

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4. Ruling Out Other Causes

A doctor may conduct blood tests or brain scans to eliminate thyroid disorders, neurological conditions, or substance-related issues.

Ensures that symptoms are not due to external factors.

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Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

Managing bipolar disorder uses treatment combinations set according to individual clients' needs.

Some of the usual forms of dealing with this bipolar disorder are as follows:

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1. Medication

• Mood stabilizers: Lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine assist in stabilising mood swings.
• Antipsychotics: Sometimes used for severe cases of mania or mixed states, but it is rarely used for mild conditions as administration brings weight gain and related problems.
• Antidepressants: If carefully sought, for bipolar depression.

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2. Psychotherapy

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Assists individuals in recognizing their so-called irrational thoughts.
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy: Work on the person's regular daily schedule.
• Family therapy: Working as a team with loved ones during the counselling process can be of great support.

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3. Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care

• Developing a consistent sleep rhythm.
• Applying relaxation exercises to stress relief.
• Abstaining from alcohol and illicit drugs.
• Increased physical exercises will improve mood.

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4. Hospitalization (If Needed)

For reasons of safety and stabilization, patients may be advised to go on hospitalization.

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When to Seek Help?

If you or someone you know has ongoing mood changes, low energy, or trouble doing everyday tasks, it is important to talk to a psychiatrist.

The sooner you get help, the better your life can be.

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Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a long-term disorder; however, an individual's life can be stabilized using treatments that will help to ensure a life worth living.

Knowledge of the different types of guidance required is the first step toward healing.

If you have a strong presumption of suffering from bipolar disorder, please contact neuropsychiatrist in Patna to schedule an evaluation and for support services.