- lose interest in day-to-day life
- feel unusually tired and exhausted
- have no appetite or an increased appetite, changes in body weight
- feel worthless or guilty
- have difficulty concentrating
Mixed episode
A mixed episode is when you experience both manic and major depressive symptoms nearly every day for at least one week. Your mood can vary with the time of the day.Types of bipolar disorder
Diagnoses of different Bipolar Disorder are based on your experience of mood changes, what relatives and friends tell mental health workers about what they have witnessed/experienced, observation, and an assessment by a psychiatrist. Understanding the different types or classifications of Bipolar Disorder can help identifying the best way of managing it.Bipolar I
Bipolar I is when you experience one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes and often one or more major depressive episodes. Each depressive episode can last for several weeks or months, alternating with intense symptoms of mania that can last just as long. Between these extremes, you might have periods where life continues as normal. Your symptoms can also be by affected changes in season (e.g. winter months) or life situations that come up (e.g. exam stress).Bipolar II
Bipolar II is when you experience one or more major depressive episode, along with at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomanic episodes have symptoms similar to manic episodes but are not as severe. Between episodes, there might be periods of normal functioning. Symptoms might also be related to seasonal changes and life situations.Cyclothymic disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is a chronic (lasting a long time) fluctuating mood pattern which involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms. It is a milder form of Bipolar Disorder - the duration of the symptoms are shorter, less severe, and not as regular.Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified
When symptoms don't fit any other type, it is called Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. The experiences of this Bipolar Disorder vary from person to person. Sometimes you might experience the symptoms of a manic episode and a major depressive episode, but not fit into the above types of Bipolar Disorder. Just like the other types of bipolar disorder, Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is a treatable disorder.Causes of bipolar disorder
Males and females have an equal chance of developing Bipolar Disorder, although males are often diagnosed at an earlier age. Bipolar Disorder might be associated with a combination of factors including genetics, biochemistry, stress and even the seasons. Approximately 1-5% of the population suffers Bipolar Disorder.(published with permission in writing from:http://www.reachout.com.au/)
