what dose bi-polar mean?

Question

I just want to know what bi-polar means.

Answer 1

Severe mood swings.

There are 4 types:

Bipolar I Disorder — In this type, you have had at least one episode of mania or mixed mood and often experience depression too. In between, your mood may be normal. Sometimes your mood swings happen when the seasons change.
Bipolar II Disorder — In this type, you have had at least one episode of depression and at least one period of hypomania. Hypomania is a milder form of mania. In between, your mood may be normal. Sometimes your mood swings happen when the seasons change.
Cyclothymic Disorder — This is a milder form of bipolar disorder. You may go back and forth between mild depression and a slightly elevated mood. But your mood swings are shorter and less severe. Many people with cyclothymic disorder go on to have a stronger type of bipolar disorder. This doesn’t happen to everyone, though.
Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified — This type of bipolar disorder is when you do not fit into the types mentioned above. The feelings of bipolar disorder vary from person to person.

Answer 2

A bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be managed with very specific medications. A person with a bipolar disorder can have minor or major mood swings from very happy and overly physically active to very depressed and possibly suicidal. There are other symptoms including becomng very angry/aggitated when in a manic phase or withdrawing from work, friends and leisure activities during the depressive phase.

People with the medical diagnosis of bipolar disorder can live very productive and happy lives if they reach out to a mental health professional or doctor for help.

Answer 3

Bi-polar or bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. It is a category of mental illness that can sometimes be characterized by extreme mood swings. More to the point it normally entails extended periods of manic behaviors followed by extended periods of depressive behaviors. But bipolar disorder can also sometimes manifest itself with these two opposite states occurring simultaneously.

The depressive state is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms to a persistent and pervasive degree: dejection, discouragement, gloominess, extreme despair, suicidal thoughts, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, lack of desire to do anything, etc.

The manic moods are characterized by one or more of the following symptoms to an extreme and persistent degree: racing thoughts, aggression, unexplained excitement, inability to focus, insomnia, irritability, increased energy, impulsiveness, uncontrollable emotions, increased sex drive, obsessive / compulsive actions, etc.

Bipolar disorder often goes undetected or is misdiagnosed. But it is important to remember that there are effective treatments and the disease can be well controlled. Though it should be noted that this is not a disorder which has a “cure” and required treatment will be long term.

For further information on bipolar disorder and its causes, diagnosis, treatment, etc. you may want to check out http://www.symptoms-of-anxiety-depression.com.

Answer 4

My doctor put me on Lexapro some time ago because of low serotonin levels in the brain. He told me that within a month, I'd be feeling much better. By the third day, I was beginning to feel the effects of the Lexapro. I thought it may have been the power of suggestion that was causing me to feel the effects so soon but it wasn't. Everyone is different & my good friend is on Lexapro as well, & after four weeks, she's just beginning to feel so much better. My advice to you, is to give it another week, then if it isn't helping, call your doctor. I will tell you one thing that really helps, even though you just want to sit at home. Go for a walk each & every day. You don't have to walk fast or real far, just get some exercise & fresh air, if you're in a climate where you can get out to do so. You'll be surprised at how much better you'll start to feel within a few weeks or sooner. It works for me & I look forward to my daily walks. It's my time & I enjoy it so much. Try thinking positive thoughts about yourself & feeling better. It's not easy at first, but give it time. My best to you!!!

Answer 5

It's a medical condition dealing with radical mood swings. One hour you can be happy and in a great mood, then suddenly you go from that to being angry and hateful. I know one woman who has this condition and it's really bad with her. I actually no longer have contact with her mostly due to this bi-polar condition she has.

Answer 6

New term for manic depressive. You have mood swings alot. some people change hourly. You are euphoric one minute and suicidal the next or at least severly depressed. There are alot of good meds out there that stabilize even the most severe cases as long as taken as prescribed.

Answer 7

It's mean you go from 1 extreme to another. In other words, you could be happy 1 minute, then crying the next. Anything can set you off. There is no cure for it, just meds to supress the mood swings.

Answer 8

Mood swings: HIGH (mania) - low (depression) - see http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 2.

Answer 9

Here are some website that might help you understand what bipolar means...

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_bipolar_disorder

http://www.manicmoment.org/

http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/Anxiety.htm

Answer 10

the first use was two poles one happy one sad. now it has three levels.