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Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a term used for a disorder presenting with symptoms of episodes of mood swings. These mood swings range from mania, an abnormal elevation in mood, to depression, or an abnormal drop in mood.

While we all experience mood swings from time to time, those suffering from bipolar disorder have more extreme swings and, depending on the type of disorder, the swings may last a long time or may swiftly change to the other extreme. It should also be noted that individuals with bipolar disorder have a normal period of their state of mind in between these two mood shifts.

The manic side of the mood produces psychosis at times, with such symptoms as hallucinations and/or delusional behavior. Manic depressive illness was first noted and named in the late 19th century. More recently psychologists renamed it bipolar disorder to remove some of the social stigma associated with the name of the illness and the depression associated with it.

Bipolar disorder most commonly develops in young adults. It is diagnosed by reported symptoms by the patient and careful observation of their behavioral patterns.

Suicide in a bipolar patient is not at all uncommon as they are suffering from a great deal of stress and anxiety and infringes upon a normal lifestyle. Genetics are thought to play a major part in developing bipolar disorder and your chances are increased greatly if another family member is noted to have it, especially a parent with this disorder.

The 4 main types of bipolar disorder are as listed below:

Bipolar I disorder is noted as having one or more instances of having a mixed mood or mania. Depression is also noted. There can sometimes be in between periods where your mood appears perfectly normal and without any instances of problems.

Bipolar II disorder is noted when a person has one or more instances of decreased mania and depression. Again, it is noted that your mood can be normal during these instances.

Cyclothymic disorder is noted when a person alternates between having an increase in elevation of mood and some depression. The mood swings are noted to be not as lengthy in duration or severity. This type of bipolar disorder is not as severe, but people with this can go on to have a more severe form of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder NOS (not otherwise specified) is noted when a person does not fit any of the other categories.

Treatment for bipolar disorder varies from person to person. It is important to work together with your psychiatric professional to obtain the best possible treatment for better management of your condition. The main treatment of bipolar disorder involves education of this disorder, medical treatment, and therapy by a medical professional.

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