wat does being bipolar mean?!
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Its like manic depression. You can have extreme highs and be happy one day, and the next you could feel your lowest and just want to die. Usually your thinking is off track and it is usually misdiagnosed for schizophrenia. You also might do sudden impulsive things like want to take a bus and go across the country.
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Bipolar disorder is when you fluctuate between manic "highs" and severe depression.
it means you have a chemical imbalance in your brain that includes at least one period of mania. Originally known as Manic Depression, it can also involve periods of depression as well, but to be found bipolar the DSM-IV-TR does not require a period of depression. We all know wat depression is so it is unnecessary to explain that. Mania is a period of extreme energy and impluse. People do things they would not normally do during these periods, it is similar to being high on cocaine in terms of the energy. The usual treatment for it is Lithium
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me
Which one of you is asking the question?
Definition of Bipolar Disorder
Article updated and reviewed by Christos Ballas, MD, Attenting Psychiatrist, Inpatient and Consult/Liaison Psychiatry, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania on April 11, 2005.
There are two basic mood disorder categories are unipolar and bipolar.
Bipolar disorder is a disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. About one percent of the population in any given year suffers from this disorder. Bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness) is marked by periods of manic, greatly elated moods, or excited states interspersed with periods of depression.
Unipolar (i.e., no mania) depression is more common than bipolar illness, though there is some controversy about the extent to which the two disorders overlap.
Source(s):
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/1/51/main.html#DefinitionofBipolarDisorder
What is Bipolar?
Emotional highs and lows are part of life for everyone. But for someone with bipolar disorder, these ups and downs can be so extreme they can interfere with daily life. Sometimes they can even be dangerous.
One day a person with bipolar disorder may feel so depressed that they can't get out of bed. Work may seem impossible.
On another day that person may feel great, full of endless energy and creativity. But other people might think that their actions are reckless and out of control.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong medical condition that can be confusing and unpredictable, but it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Learning more about bipolar disorder can be helpful in managing this medical illness.
How to recognize Bipolar?
Bipolar disorder can be hard to detect. Some people may go 10 years or more before being diagnosed. There are many reasons that make diagnosing bipolar disorder difficult, such as how patients describe symptoms and what types of symptoms they experience first.
When people are feeling manic or hypomanic, they are full of energy. They can feel good. They may feel "high on life" and don't always seek help. But they may seek help when they fall into depression. At that time, they may describe only symptoms of depression to their healthcare provider. Therefore, it's common for a person to be incorrectly diagnosed with depression instead of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder also shares many of the signs and symptoms associated with other illnesses, such as anxiety disorders and schizophrenia. This can complicate the diagnosis even more
Types:
There are four main types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder
Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder - Bipolar I disorder involves one or more manic or mixed episodes, and often one or more major depressive episodes. A depressive episode may last for several weeks or months. Between episodes of bipolar I disorder, there may be periods of normal functioning. Symptoms may also be related to seasonal changes.
Bipolar II Disorder - Bipolar II disorder involves one or more major depressive episodes along with at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomanic episodes have symptoms similar to manic episodes but are less severe. Between episodes of bipolar II disorder, there may be periods of normal functioning. Symptoms may also be related to seasonal changes.
Cyclothymic Disorder - Cyclothymic disorder is a long-term fluctuating mood disturbance with periods of hypomania and periods of depression. It is a milder form of bipolar disorder. That's because the periods of both depression and hypomania are shorter, less severe, and do not occur with regularity.
Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified - This type of bipolar disorder is when the person does not fit into the types of bipolar disorder mentioned above. The experiences of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. Just like the other types of bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder not otherwise specified is treatable.
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Go to http://BiPolar.com to take the questionaire and find a docotor in your area.
My hubby is a doctor.
Bipolar disorder (previously known as manic depression) is a diagnostic category describing a class of mood disorders where the person experiences states or episodes of depression and/or mania, hypomania, and/or mixed states.
Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder
YOU Act nice one min and mean the next its like you are two people
I have been labeled as bipolar for years. I am not on meds, I have been in the past but for me talk works better. I tend to be seasonal which means at the beginning of each season I have "episodes" My mind races, I don't eat alot, I am always on the go, I tend to spend money, noting really expensive, just at places like Walmart for clothes and I did spend $50 at BBW once. It also plays on your sex drive. Some people spend money on expensive things like cars, eating out, vacations and then when the "episode" winds down they think about how much money the have spend and get depressed and some have been suicidal, I don't spend alot so I have not been there, one reason meds aren't needed. Not to mention when you come down you are so tired from being on the go that you sleep more for afew days. These "episodes" can last days or weeks. Mine in the summer lasts for weeks. Having moved south I am really screwed up right now
Bi-polar is simply a new name for Manic-Depression. Manic depression means you fluctuate (swing) between periods of depression and mania (excitability, impulsive behavior, irritability, high energy, lack of need for sleep, irrational behaviors). Some people fluctuate more (deeper depression and/or more intense periods of mania), some people less. Some people fluctuate very often, some people not as often. There is a wide range of "symptoms" and a wide range of severity. Some people respond well to treatment with anti-depressants (SSRI's) like Welbutrin. Living with an un-medicated bi-polar person can be very difficult though. Some artists, composers, etc. probably suffer from Bi-polar and may, in fact, do some of their most creative work during the periods of mania.
Bipolar. Manic Depressive. Happy,Sad,Hyper,cry,laugh. This is one form. Your life is like a roller coaster of emotions and controlling and understanding these feelings leave you with anxiety.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Form of bipolar. A good example of this would be road rage.
Bipolar is a mental illness that with the proper mixture of meds monitored by a psychiatrist, could be the difference between life and death. And, believe it or not, many people have bipolar, in some form, and don't even know it.
As a quick last thought. Everyone has this emotional rollercoaster. As being bipolar, Mine just has higher hills, and deepre valleys and not much room for flat rolling. All hills. If you believe you may have bipolar disorder, talk to your family doctor. He/She should know you somewhat personally, and could refer you to a psychiatrist for an evaluation. Living with bipolar undiagnosed and without help is a recipe for disaster.
Source(s):
St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital, Akron Ohio
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