Types of Bipolar Disorder
Which Do You Think You Have

Bipolar 1 is just one of the types of bipolar disorder. It is a manic depressive illness with or without psychosis. Bipolar 1 involves severe mood swings. For awhile you are extremely happy, you have grandiose ideas racing through your head, and you feel like you are on top of the world. Then after this stage of mania subsides you feel depressed, no good, worth nothing. You have a sense of hopelessness. You can feel lonely, abandoned, and unmotivated. Nothing matters, your energy level is low. It severe cases you feel like you might as well be dead-nobody cares.

Bipolar 2 is one of the milder types of bipolar disorder involving major depression alternating with hypo maniia episodes which are not sever enough to result in impairment of function. In other words you feel pretty good for a time, then you feel pretty sad at other times but you can still work and relate pretty well with your family and friends.

Cyclothymic disorder is a chronic though mild type of bipolar disorder consisting of periods of mild depression and short periods of hypo mania. These brief attenuated episodes of hypo mania and depressive symptoms may last a few days or a few weeks. The onset is separated by periods of normal mood. Psychologists and psychiatrists claim individuals with cyclothymic disorder are never totally free of symptoms of depression or hypo mania for more than a few months at a time. Later as time permits we will go over diagnosis criteria according to the psychiatric profession.

Mixed bipolar disorder has both mania and depressive symptoms going on at the same time in the individual's life. When a person has mixed bipolar disorder, the person feels has though he has a magnificent sense of self importance, has racing thoughts, and can have excessive amounts of energy. At the same time he feels irritable, angry, moody, down in the dumps. This can be a very dangerous mix.

Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is characterized by four or more mood episodes that occur within a 12 month period. Some people can experience several mood episodes within a few weeks or even a single day. Psychiatrists believe rapid cycling bipolar disorder tends to develop later in the course of the "illness." Rapid cycling pattern increases risk for severe depression and suicide attempts. Antidepressants are thought to trigger and prolong rapid cycling bipolar disorder. However, that theory is controversial and is still being studied.

So in summary there are basic types of bipolar disorder. Each of these display different symptoms but each has a common underlying cause. Chronic negative thoughts, heavy sense of guilt, early childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, deprivation, emotional losses, and a feeling that your life has no meaning are all psychological states that affect brain chemistry and neurotransmitter effectiveness. Conversely, an imbalanced neurotransmitter system can exacerbate negative thinking, guilt, and reactions to trauma which robs you of the energy you need to meet important challenges and goals.

Drug therapy and psychotherapy are both viable methods of initiating intervention for depressive disorders; each starts at the opposite end of the mind-body connection. Drugs chemically alter brain cell function in an attempt to "fix" the biological apparatus. However, one must be aware of the risks of drug therapy. I suggest drug therapy for all types of bipolar disorder but only as an life and death intervention. Afterwards, slowly wean oneself off the drugs while learning the appropriate ways to redirect those misfiring neurotransmitters in the brain with changes in life style, habits, diet, thoughts, and social activities with the help of a qualified psychotherapist who can help you target thoughts and behavior in an attempt to initiate appropriate chemical changes in your brain.

Bon Voyage,

Dr. Cares™

Catherine Sinclair, PhD., uses the trade name Dr. Cares™. She is a licensed pastoral counselor. The information contained in this website is not to be taken as a substitute for professional advice from your qualified medical "practitioner."

The author of this website is not an M.D. and therefore must post this required FDA disclaimer. None of the statements, self testing, nor recommended alternatives to overcoming bipolar symptoms have been evaluated by the FDA. Therefore, the tested and proven experiences, testimonies, supplements and alternative and natural therapies are for informational purposes only and does not purport to prescribe, diagnose or cure any mental or physical condition.

Though as a licensed counselor she does advise her clients to be informed and involved in the recovery of their physical, spiritual and mental health. The above information has transformed many lives and the same can happen for you, but you alone are responsible for the decisions you make concerning all aspects of your health.

Types of Bipolar Disorder to No More Bipolar Disorder