bIPOLAR DISORDER

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episode.

Bipolar I Disorder— defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depression and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible.
Bipolar II Disorder— defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described above.

RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE, people who have bipolar disorder live healthy, creative, and successful lives. Pharmachological intervention is often a key part of regulating biological balance however, exercise, good nutrition, proper amounts of sleep, and stress management are equally as important within the recovery process.

Therapy can also be of great support given the personal stress and grief endured upon illness, and for many people during years of unregulated, non-diagnosed illness life experiences prompted further anxiety, depression, and a sense of loss of control and loss of self. The therapy process brings a sense of healing, self discovery, and new beginnings to the individual's life path.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov › health › topics › bipolar-disorder

Kathleen Sullivan Psychiatry

Kathleen Sullivan Psychiatry

bIPOLAR DISORDER