Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves periods of elevated or irritable mood, alternating with periods of depression (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.2011para 1). It is diagnosed in two stages Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Each stage has significant differences that make up the symptoms of each diagnosis. Living with Bipolar Disorder can be compared to riding a roller coaster except with your emotions. In the United States 3.9% of the population is diagnosed with Bipolar within lifetime prevalence (nimh.nih.gov.2011.chart 1).

Understanding the complex aspects of bipolar disorder and adequate treatment can greatly reflect a positive outcome for those diagnosed with this life altering disorder.

Type II Bipolar is when major depressive episodes alternate with hypomanic (less sever manic episode) episodes. An individual diagnosed with Bipolar II has a presence of one or more major depressive episodes, at least one hypomanic episode (Barlow David H. & Durand, Mark V. 2010. Ch6 Pg183-184). Symptoms with Bipolar II are "significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning" (Barlow & Durand.2010.Pg184 table1).

Type I Bipolar is relatively the same as Bipolar II except individuals experience a full manic (extreme pleasure in every activity) episodes. When a person is diagnosed with Bipolar I manic episodes are what set Bipolar II apart from Bipolar I. Although the individual also suffers from major depressive episodes that individual will also have periods of "abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood, lasting at least one week" (Barlow & Durand.2010.Pg177 table1).

The main differences between Bipolar II and Bipolar I are the presence of hypomanic episodes of Bipolar II and Manic Episodes of Bipolar one. With a hypomanic episodes the individual will seem "up" in spirits compared to being in a major depressed state, for example that person may have been confined to his/her bed the previous week and is now feeling great and on top of the world. With Bipolar I the individual will go through a period of major depression followed by a full manic episode where the individual will not only feel on top the world, but take drastic measure to support their ideas of pleasure by using all funds available in their bank account to accomplish a specific goal that they view as appropriate.

The presence of a single manic episode or mixed episode would classify the Bipolar Disorder as Bipolar I compared to Bipolar II where criteria for the disorder means there has never been a manic episode or mixed episode. Basically the best way to determine if an individual is type I or type II is to figure out if they suffer from manic or mixed episodes along with major depressive episodes, if not and they suffer from at least one hypomanic episode and major depressive episode it is type II.

By the late 19th century, multiple descriptions and case studies of bipolar mental illness were being published across Europe. The clinical pattern of manic depression had been described within medical textbooks, by the middle 20th century, medical journals were publishing informed speculation concerning the origins of bipolar illness, specifically, describing the likelihood that bipolar depression ran in families. In 1952, The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disorders published an article analyzing heritability behind the disorder. This study, offering a statistical analysis of family generational data, showed a heightened incidence of bipolar disorder symptoms among biological relatives, providing evidence for a biological and more specifically genetic mode of transmission. (Nemade, Rashmi & Dombeck, Mark.2009. mentalhelp.net).

Bipolar disorder is so named because it is characterized by alternation between states. Yet, it actually is part of a diverse, heterogeneous group of chronic disturbances that produce cyclic episodes of elation or depression, evidenced by varying cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Moreover, the disease can present with significant psychotic features, and there is greater recognition in recent years that most excited psychoses with a biphasic course belong in the bipolar