Bipolar disorder – also known as manic depression is a serious mental illness which is defined as episodes of disturbances in mood. It causes mood swings between two extreme things; in one hand excessive elation, energy and self esteem, and on the other hand helplessness, hopelessness and a severe depression. The first one is called mania and the second is depression, however between these extremes there may be a phase called hypomania which is mild to moderate mania.
First symptom of manic depression could be hypomania. In this state the person has an increasing energy. The person may laugh so much at things that he did not find even funny earlier and tries to take all the attention. During the hypomania, the person feels good and will possibly deny that if anything is wrong, thus bipolar disorder is generally can not be recognized by patient’s relatives, friends or even physicians.
Types of Mood Episodes
Manic Episode (Mania): Mania is a serious clinical condition which can be defined as a severely elevated mood. The person who suffers from mania has decreased need for sleep, hyperactivity, irritability, delusions and excessive anger or rage. It may lead the person to act so hasty and spontaneous. They have difficulties in making decisions and concentrating. During the manic episode, one always denies that something is wrong; however experiencing the mania is quite disturbing and unpleasant. Manic episode lasts at least a week.
Hypomanic Episode (Hypomania): Hypomania is a milder type of mania. During this episode, one may feel very creative, coming up with new ideas, has a high self esteem and is more talkative than usual. Hypomanic episode lasts at least four days.
Major Depressive Episode (Depression): Major Depressive episode may last at least two weeks.
Mixed Episode: In mixed episode, the person experiences both manic and depressive episodes and it may last at least a week.
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