Bipolar Affective Disorder Bipolar Affective Disorder, previously known as ‘Manic Depression’ effects approximately 1% of the population. It is characterised by periods of ‘mania’ (see mania section) and depression (see depression section). There are several various types of Bipolar Affective Disorder that are outlined below. It is considered a severe disability and can affect the quality of life of the sufferer, as well as affecting the individual’s personal hygiene and even the safety of the individual. Mania During a period of mania, feelings of heightened energy, elevated mood and creativity and extremely common. People experiencing this often have little sleep and appear to be hyperactive. They may also experience feelings of being invincible. Although mania appears to be a positive thing at first, it can become problematic. It can cause the individual to engage in risky, perhaps foolish pursuits including sexual promiscuity. They may also become enraged, irritable and aggressive. Some patients become delusional or experience sensory hallucinations. If done promptly, mania can be identified and dealt with immediately. Some of the most common signs include: Feeling excessively optimistic or extremely irritable Sleeping very little but still having energy Unrealistic goals or beliefs Speaking rapidly Impaired judgement Low concentration And in severe cases, delusions and sensory hallucinations Depression In the past, the depressive aspect of Bipolar disorder was categorized with ordinary clinical depression. However, research suggests there is a difference between the two. Most prominently, Bipolar Patients are not helped by anti-depressants, and in reality, it can exacerbate their condition, triggering mania. Despite their similarities, certain symptoms are more prominent in Bipolar Depression as a bipolar patient experiences irritability, guilt, restlessness and unpredictable mood swings. Bipolar patients additionally tend to gain weight, speak slowly and over sleep. Furthermore, psychotic depression can occur in a bipolar patient. This is causes a severe impairment in social functioning, as sufferers experience symptoms of depression and psychotic features such as hallucinations and delusions. Signs for recognising Bipolar Depression include: Feelings of hopelessness, sadness or emptiness. Irritability Fatigue or loss of energy Appetite or weight changes Sleep difficulties Unable to concentrate Feelings of guilt Suicidal notions Types of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar 1 This is chiefly characterised by at least one full-blown manic episode during his or her life. A manic episode consists of elevated mood and abnormal disruptive behaviour. This type of Bipolar Disorder sadly causes many suicides. Bipolar 2 Bears a strong resemblance to bipolar type 1; however the mood never fully reaches ‘full-blown’ mania. The mood cycles over time between high and low mood. Rapid Cycling Approximately 10%-20% of Bipolar Disorder patients experience this type of condition. They have 4 or more episodes of mania or depression in one year. Mixed Bipolar Where the individual experiences both mania and depression simultaneously or in rapid sequence. Cyclothymia A more diluted, less severe form of Bipolar Disorder. The symptoms experienced by the individual are similar; however they are on a much less disruptive scale. |
Research Posted By Lucy Shepherd, Kathryn Davies and Natasha Kendall
