Overview Of Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is a major mood disorder. Three percent of individuals in the United States have it. It involves extreme swings between high and low moods! These moods are called manic and depressive episodes. Each lasts from a couple of weeks to months at a time! Patients must have at least one case of mania to be diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder. Patients with bipolar 2 disorder deal with hypomania! This is low-grade mania. However, it is just as concerning!

Mood stabilizers are a significant treatment for bipolar disorder. Other medications include antidepressants and antipsychotics for bipolar disorder! Patients often need psychotherapy for bipolar disorder continuously. Many individuals want natural mood stabilizers. Meditation is one example! Of course, this starts with patients understanding their symptoms.

Extreme Mood Swings

Bipolar disorder patients experience extreme mood swings! However, these are not regular mood changes. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, states that the mood swings must last for certain periods. A depressive episode, for instance, must last at least two weeks. A manic episode only has to last for one week.

Mania is the extremely elevated portion of these mood swings. However, mania is not positive! These episodes involve wired energy, rapid talking and thinking, lack of attention, and a grandiose sense of self. Extreme mania often includes hallucinations and delusions. Patients often need to be hospitalized as well! Depressive episodes involve low mood, fatigue, lack of motivation, hopelessness, sleep issues, and apathy.

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