Difference between revisions of "Bipolar disorder"
m (→Bipolar II: Updating) |
m (→Bipolar I: Updating) |
||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
To meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I, the individual must have experienced at least one high, or manic episode, that has lasted for longer than one week. Some people with Bipolar I will have only manic episodes, although most will also have periods of depression. When untreated, manic episodes can generally last 3 to 6 months, with untreated depressive episodes lasting 6 to 12 months. | To meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I, the individual must have experienced at least one high, or manic episode, that has lasted for longer than one week. Some people with Bipolar I will have only manic episodes, although most will also have periods of depression. When untreated, manic episodes can generally last 3 to 6 months, with untreated depressive episodes lasting 6 to 12 months. | ||
| − | ==Bipolar | + | ==Bipolar II== |
| − | Bipolar | + | To meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar II, the individual must have experienced one episode of severe depression, but only mild manic episodes (hypomania). |
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
Revision as of 20:59, April 26, 2008
Bipolar disorder (also called "manic depression") is a psychiatric condition characterized by extreme mood swings. There are two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I and Bipolar II.
This condition can wreak havoc on the life of the person that has it, and the lives those around the person. It causes feelings of extreme loss, guilt, and utter helplessness. It is due to this unexplainable misery that many people with bipolar end up committing suicide.
Bipolar I
To meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I, the individual must have experienced at least one high, or manic episode, that has lasted for longer than one week. Some people with Bipolar I will have only manic episodes, although most will also have periods of depression. When untreated, manic episodes can generally last 3 to 6 months, with untreated depressive episodes lasting 6 to 12 months.
Bipolar II
To meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar II, the individual must have experienced one episode of severe depression, but only mild manic episodes (hypomania).
Sources
About.com: What is Bipolar Disorder?