Type I
Bipolar
disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is a type of depression
characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression).
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some
people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies
with individuals and also varies over time.
Symptoms of depression
- Persistent sad,
anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness,
pessimism
- Feelings of guilt,
worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest
or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
- Decreased energy,
fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating,
remembering, making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning
awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or
weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Thoughts of death
or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical
symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive
disorders, and chronic pain
Symptoms of mania
- Abnormal or excessive
elation
- Unusual irritability
- Decreased need
for sleep
- Grandiose notions
- Increased talking
- Racing thoughts
- Increased sexual
desire
- Markedly increased
energy
- Poor judgment
- Inappropriate social
behavior
See Understanding bipolar disorder
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Type II or Bipolar Spectrum Disorder
Researchers have recently
been developing new insights into bipolar II and what is being called
bipolar disorder or bipolar spectrum disorder because its characteristics
occur along a continuum.
Some signs and
symptoms of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder (or Soft bipolar disorder)
Symptoms and their severity vary by individual and over time.
- outgoing
- creative
- productive
- energized
- impatient
- insomnia
- irritability
- negative thinking
- fatigue, decreased
energy
- inability to concentrate
- persistent sad
or empty mood
- loss of interest
in activities
- thoughts of death
or suicide
Related articles
What is hypomania?
Bipolar II and the bipolar spectrum
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