Bipolar disorder
It is a complex disease characterized by drastic, unexpected, and repeated changes in a person's mood. Many people may think that bipolar disorder has only one type and one symptom, but it is not, there is more than one type of bipolar disorder. In fact, according to the American Psychiatric Association, there are four types of bipolar disorder, each defined by the presence, frequency, and intensity of the emotion. Specifically, it can be divided into the following four types:
1. Bipolar type I disorder
To be diagnosed with type I bipolar disorder, you must have experienced one or more manic episodes. These seizures must last at least 7 days and are even severe enough to require immediate hospitalization. Although some people may also experience episodes of depression or hypomania, they can also be diagnosed without these symptoms.
2. Bipolar type II disorder
Bipolar type II disorder is characterized by a combination of hypomanic and depressive episodes. In addition, to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder type II, you must have never experienced a full-blown manic episode. Bipolar type II is not just a milder form of bipolar type I disorder. It's a very different disease.
3. Cyclic mood disorder
This mood disorder, also known as circulating mood disorder, is considered a milder form of chronic bipolar disorder. Unlike bipolar type I and type II disorders, the highs and lows of circulating emotions are not sufficient to meet the criteria for a manic or major depressive episode. However, these symptoms must be present for at least 2 years and have an asymptomatic period of more than 2 months.
While mood attacks are not as extreme as bipolar disorder, it is crucial to seek help. These symptoms not only interfere with daily life, but also increase the risk of bipolar type I or bipolar type II disorder later in life.
4. Unspecified bipolar disorder
When there is a manic or depressive episode that does not belong to other bipolar types, this type of bipolar disorder is diagnosed. For example, you might cycle quickly between a manic and depressive episode. Or there may be a hypomanic episode without a depressive episode.
Of all mental health disorders, bipolar disorder is probably one of the most commonly misdiagnosed disorders. Sometimes it is not clear which type of bipolar disorder the symptoms fit into. Bipolar disorder can also be difficult to diagnose because it shares symptoms with many other disorders. Here are some of the mental health conditions that are often mistaken for bipolar disorder, and how to distinguish them.
●
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Both diseases have overlapping symptoms. However, while attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition, bipolar disorder is sporadic. In addition, bipolar disorder only affects your mood, while attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can affect your attention and behavior.
Borderline personality disorder
The main difference between these situations is the length of the mood swings. Bipolar mood cycles can last for weeks or months, while mood swings in borderline personality disorder can last for hours or days. In addition, mood swings in borderline personality disorder are usually triggered by something.
Clinical depression
While bipolar disorder includes symptoms of mania, clinical depression is unipolar, which means there is no manic mood. Doctors may initially misdiagnose bipolar disorder for clinical depression because hypomanic episodes are often overlooked.
Schizoaffective disorder
When you suffer from schizoaffective disorder, psychotic symptoms can suddenly appear and are not related to mood changes. For bipolar disorder, psychotic symptoms will only appear during an emotional episode.
For the treatment of bipolar disorder, psychotherapy in combination with pharmacotherapy is more beneficial than medication alone. Psychotherapy can help relieve stress associated with extreme emotions. It can also help you improve your ability to manage relationships with others. Effective psychotherapy for bipolar disorder includes: cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, family therapy, etc., and like drug therapy, no one therapy can be effective for everyone.
Image: From the web
Article: Professor Rong Xinqi
Typography: Hypnotist Chen