Bi Polar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder? There are two types of bipolar disorders, there is bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder. Bipolar disorder can also be known as manic depressive illness. Approximately one percent of the population has suffered or is suffering with this disorder. Bipolar disorder affects men, women, and children. Bipolar disorder usually appears between the ages of 15 and 25. A mild form of bipolar disorder is called cyclothymiacs.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder are thought to be caused by an imbalance of key chemicals in the brain. The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells that move a constant stream of information from one to the other. These cells release chemicals known as “neurotransmitters.” Dopamine and serotonin are two key neurotransmitters needed in the brain functions, which play a crucial role in emotional health.

Bipolar disorder I is delineated by at least one manic episode, with or without major depression. It has been stated that sixty to seventy percent of bipolar disorder I cases, that manic episodes precede or follow depressive episodes in a customary pattern. Episodes are more sudden and cruel than in the other two categories. Without treatment, patient’s average is around four episodes a year. Untreated, mania lasts at least a week, but it can last several months. Depression episodes tend to last six to twelve months, if untreated.

Bipolar II disorder and hypomania are characterized by predominantly depressive symptoms with sporadic episodes of hypomania. Hypomania is almost the same as mania, but although the symptoms (typically euphoria) are less severe and do not last as long. With

Bipolar II disorder patients have more depressive episodes, and shorter periods of being well between episodes than patients with type I bipolar disorder have. Although, it as a high risk for

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for suicide.

Cyclothymiacs disorder is not as severe as bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder. This disorder is more chronic. The disorder last at least two years with single episodes continuing for more than two months. Cyclothymiacs disorder may be a (precursor) to full blown bipolar disorder in some patients, or it may continue as a low grade chronic condition. Manic episodes precede or follow depressive episodes in a moderate pattern.

Scientists have agreed there are no single causes of bipolar disorder. Some genetic factors usually involving more than one gene are involved. There are many symptoms of bipolar disorder. They include:

• Sad mood

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Sleep