Can someone explain what being bipolar means?

Question

My significant other was recently diagnosed with this.

Answer 1

One textbook definition describes bipolar disorder as: "a major affective disorder in which an individual alternates between states of deep depression and extreme elation." This is misleading in that bipolar disorder - also known as manic depression or manic-depressive illness - is much more complicated than just alternating between depression and elation. It is estimated nearly thirty percent of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder will attempt suicide at least once in their lives. The suicide rate is twenty times that of the general population. So, the subject of suicide is not something we can ignore. Each of us needs to know the warnings signs, so we may be prepared to help a friend in crisis, prepared to see the cry for help from a loved one, prepared to seek help when our own resources for coping have worn thin. Bipolar disorder can be severe and long-term, or it can be mild with infrequent episodes. The usual pattern of bipolar disorder is one of increasing intensity and duration of symptoms that progress slowly over many years. (Patients with the disease, however, may experience symptoms in very different ways.) A bipolar disorder patient averages eight to 10 manic or depressive episodes over a lifetime, but some people experience more and some fewer episodes. Typical Bipolar Cycles: In most cases of bipolar disorder, the depressive phases far outnumber manic phases, and the cycles of mania and depression are neither regular nor predictable. Many patients, in fact, experience mixed mania, or a mixed state, in which both mania and depression occur. Rapid Cycling: About 15% of patients have a temporary, complicated phase known as rapid cycling, in which the manic and depressive episodes alternate at least four times a year and, in severe cases, can even progress to several cycles a day. Rapid cycling tends to occur more often in women and in bipolar II patients. Typically, rapid cycling starts in the depressive phase, and, in fact, frequent and severe episodes of depression may be the hallmark of this event in many patients. This phase is difficult to treat, particularly since antidepressants can trigger the switch to mania and set up a cyclical pattern.
For detailed information on this subject you would be advised to contact your doctor or psychiatric department for advice.
Hope this helps
Matador 89

Answer 2

Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression) has to do with extremes in moods. They can switch quickly...or they can last much longer...but the idea is that it's highly cyclical.

In the manic phase, the symptoms are spending money like it's going out of style, hyper-sexual interest, grandiosity ("no one else can understand...it's like God is speaking directly to me") and inability to sleep. Also, the perception that the sufferer is intensely creative...boundless energy.

On the downside is deep, profound depression.

Chemicals like lithium can be used to help balance the moods to some degree. But you're never really "over" bipolar disorder.

Many famous people have suffered from this affliction. It can be a real challenge to the family members surrounding the situation.

Answer 3

Bipolar disorder (formerly known as Manic Depression) has symptoms that are basically;
Depression (may look identical to any typical, "uni-polar" depression)
Mania (extreme elevated mood)
Hypomania (mild to moderate elevated mood)
Mixed (combination of depressive symptoms and increased energy)

Different people experience different symptoms and patterns of this illness. Some may experience periodic manic or hypomanic episodes followed by periods of normal moods. Others may crash into mild or severe depression, which may last for weeks or even months before resolving. When a person's bipolar symptoms cycle through four or more episodes within a 12 month period, it is called "rapid cycling." Rapid cycling can vary widely in it's frequency, and for some people can cycle several times within a day ("ultra rapid-cycling") or even one minute to the next ("ultra-ultra rapid cycling").

Treatment is typically a combination of medication (such as Lithium or Depakote) to stabilize the mood swings, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Answer 4

Why did you ask--do you think of you're bipolar? it could evaluate like many speedy trains are colliding on your head and each coach is actuall a thread of thought. you may evaluate rush of euphoria like some robust drug, like heroin, is rushing by using way of your veins, additionally. it could evaluate like many little innovations are happening mutually as, in special parts of your head, variety of like a buzz of 100s of bees. it fairly is not something you will handle and could very final for days and weeks (and months even), it fairly is extremely annoying and creates a painful feeling, and it renders you helpless. it fairly is not an insignificant easy discomfort of being distraught or overexcited. It includes the element that it impaires your social and respected life, it is important exchange from consistent temper swings.

Answer 5

It's the newer term for manic depression. It means he has a hard time finding middle ground. He's either elated and starting grand projects, or crashing and can't get motivated.

Answer 6

Totally high one moment, and totally depressed the next.
http://www.bipolar.com/
Used to be called manic-depressive.