Bipolar Disorder

Your moods have been swinging back and forth, driving you (pardon the expression) crazy. You go to the doctor looking for answers. After many questions and, possibly, tests for other diseases you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder. While having a name for how you might feel a little relief, the reality of having a "mental illness" can be scary.

So take a deep breath and relax. Many of us have trouble BP, you're not alone. You have questions and this should be one of the first - which BP disorder you? There are several types of bipolar disorder characterized by the length, frequency and distribution of manic and depressive. Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

I had the unique experience of being originally diagnosed as BP 2, then upgraded to a years BP ten years later.

Bipolar Disorder a

Those who experience manic episodes BP1 extreme or mixed episodes (mania and depression occurring nearly every day for at least one week) and one or more major depressive episodes. BP 1 is the most severe form of the disease. Psychosis, paranoia, and hospitalization are all associated with BP1. episodic depression need not be known for a diagnosis of BP1 but usually there.

My own experience with BP1has included a trip to the psych ward, paranoia and inability to work for months. mixed episodes and suicidal thoughts were also present during my last relapse.

Bipolar 2

Since depression is what we normally send to the doctor, BP 2 is usually misdiagnosed as major depression. Basically, once the depression slides into hypomania, it feels so much better that it does not occur to you to call the doctor or staying on your medications. Frankly, you feel very well - perhaps better than most, because hypomania has resumed. The moods and costs associated with hypomania are warmly welcomed, after a deep depression. Most of the time friends and family just think that depression has lifted and you are back to being the life of the party. The problem is that "what goes up must come down" and in general this is not a state of mind which manifests itself at.

My diagnosis of BP2 came during a deep depression that followed was a hypomanic wildlife that was launched by the anti-depressant drugs is designed to help smoking fast. True, I was given an antidepressant to help me quit smoking and relieve mild depression caused by frequent headaches. It took only a few months and I was raised on rocking hypomania Mountain. I was running on all cylinders at work, I opened my own business at home, never slept and spent a lot of time drinking (a form of self-medication that the hospital take account of the abuse).

Not specified (NOS)

Bipolar Disorder NOS, sometimes called "sub-threshold" bipolar disorder, is a "catch-all diagnosis" is used to indicate bipolar illness that does not fit into one of the official DSM-IV bipolar diagnostic categories (BP1 BP 2, or Cyclothymia see below). If a person seems to suffer from bipolar manic and some depressive symptoms, but do not meet the criteria of BP1, a 2 or Cyclothymia Bipolar Disorder NOS (not specified) is given .

Honestly, I think we're all kinds of BP NOS because I've never met two people with BP disorder typically have met all the requirements of one kind or another. It seems to me that BP is truly unique as its owner. And by the way, you are the owner of the BP, it does not own you.

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder characterized by episodes of hypomania and several less severe episodes of depression that alternate for at least two years. The severity of this disease may change over time.

Rapid C.