Bipolar Disorder (BD)

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious, lifelong condition characterized by episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. The is most likely a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure and chemistry. Alternating episodes of mania (periods of excessive activity, energy, and excitement) and depression last days to months at a time and may also be associated with suicidal thoughts/acts. Recommended treatment includes medications and psychotherapy, with newer therapies being effective for helping individuals lead a full life.  

• Bipolar Disorder I (BD I): The most severe bipolar type is characterized by dramatic mood swings from mania, psychosis,or mixed mania to depressive episodes. In DSM-5, BD I is a syndrome in which a complete set of manic symptoms occurs and lasts for at least one week or required hospitalization. Manic symptoms is an elevated mood with three or more of: increased goal-directed activity, grandiosity, a diminished need for sleep, distractibility, racing thoughts, increased/pressured speech, and reckless behaviors. If mood is irritable instead of elevated, at least four manic symptoms are needed to meet the criteria for a diagnosis.  
• Bipolar Disorder II (BD II): BD II’s pattern of hypomania and depression is less extreme than BD I, rarely results in hospitalization, and does not end in psychosis. Yet, it’s hard to bear, its mood swings going from energy surges to depressive feelings of dark despair or no feelings at all—just numbness. In DSM-5, BD II consists of current or past major depressive episodes interspersed with current or past hypomanic periods of at least four days duration.
• Cyclothymia: Cyclothymia is diagnosed ifrecurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms are not intense or severe enough, or don’t last long enough, to qualify as BD I or II—nor are the depressive episodes severe enough to be diagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD). For a diagnosis, eepisodes must alternate for at least two years, with symptoms lasting from hours to months. Its mood swings cause difficulties with concentration, thought, energy, and behavior, as well as changes in sleep and eating patterns.