Bipolar Affective Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder.
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to change from high (mania) to low (depression).
Causes:
Genetics
Brain chemicals
Environmental
Low - depressive - feelings of intense depression or despair
High - manic - feelings of extreme happiness or elation
Mixed - depressed mood with the restlessness and overactivity of a manic episode.
Types of Bipolar
- Bipolar 1 - both manic and depressive episodes, with at least 1 manic episode last longer than a week.
- Bipolar 2 - mostly episodes of depression or sustained depression with 'hypomanic' episodes, a milder form of mania.
- Rapid cycling - more than 4 mood swings in a year.
- Cyclothymia - The mood swings are not as severe as those in full bipolar disorder, but can be longer. This can develop into full bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of depression
Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleep
Change in appetite
Loss of interest in work or socialising
Unable to enjoy things
More irritable
Trouble concentrating
Avoiding friends and family
Thoughts of life not worth living.
Symptoms of mania
Very happy and excited
Full of energy
Unwilling/unable to sleep
Grandiose plans and beliefs
Making odd decisions
May lack insight
Less inhibited
Reckless with money.
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsdisorders/bipolardisorder.aspx
https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms
A source of education and information only, not intended to replace advice of a medical doctor, nurse or healthcare practitioner.
