Types of bipolar - bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder

Types of bipolar - bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder

When diagnosing bipolar disorder, there are two main types of bipolar disorder that medical professionals refer to.

They are known as bipolar I and bipolar II, but you can also see them as:

-bipolar 1, bipolar i, bipolar type 1 or bipolar i disorder

-bipolar 2, bipolar ii, bipolar type 2 or bipolar ii disorder.

If you are interested in what bipolar disorder is, what symptoms are common, and what are the differences between the two main types of bipolar disorder, you can distinguish them as follows:

Bipolar type 1 (I)

Bipolar I indicates that a person is experiencing mania, the more pronounced form of mood elevation.

Mania in bipolar I disorder is a period of elevated mood or a “high” mood swing that lasts for at least a week. During an episode of mania, a person becomes very self-conscious, requires less sleep and pursues goals and projects, or may become completely preoccupied with activities they find enjoyable.

Energy and drive are increased. This can be expressed through sprees, open self-confidence, sexual indiscretion, and increased activity in pleasurable activities. The high mood of mania is also accompanied by racing thoughts and speech.

Manic episodes can also include irritability or periods of psychosis (loss of touch with reality). The mood swings of mania can be so severe that hospitalization is necessary.

In type I bipolar disorder, an episode of elevated mood (mania) has a significant impact on life, so continuing work and maintaining relationships when unwell can become very difficult.

Bipolar type 2 (II)

Bipolar II also involves episodes of elevated moods, but this elevation in mood is of less severity and for a shorter period of time (about 4 days) than in Bipolar I. While these periods are significantly different from what is normal for the person, the impairment in behavior does not occur, unlike mania.

Bipolar II characteristically involves periods of depression in which the person lacks energy and motivation, feels sad, and may have feelings of guilt about things for which they are not responsible. There may also be changes in sleep patterns and appetite.

For those with Bipolar I, depression may or may not be part of the symptoms experienced, but to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, a person must also experience episodes of depression.

If you're wondering, "Am I bipolar?" Or if you feel you are having bipolar behaviors, please seek the advice of a doctor.

For more articles on bipolar disorder and an online bipolar self-help program, visit Mood swings.

Inspired by Sue Lauder