Brief Introduction to Bipolar disorder
This article gives a brief overview of Bipolar Disorder, a, find out more about Bipolar Disorder at our Public Health Information Session 'Bipolar & Depression' 7:00pm 30th June 2015.
History of Bipolar Disorder
Whilst manic and depressed moods have been observed throughout human history, it was not until the mid-19th century that researchers slowly started putting together the bipolar puzzle. Jules Baillarger, a French neurologist, described a biphasic mental illness that saw sufferers move between periods of mania and depression; he called this condition folie à double forme or dual form insanity. Meanwhile in Germany, Emil Kraepelin coined the term ‘Manic Depressive Psychosis’, describing how untreated bipolar patients displayed periods of acute depression or mania, followed by periods of mostly symptom-free normality. It wasn’t until the 1950s, when German psychiatrists Karl Kleist and Karl Leonhard, coined the term ‘Bipolar’ as a sub-classification of manic-depressive reactions.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder currently has four disorders along the Bipolar Disorder Spectrum, they are:
- Bipolar 1 Disorder
Bipolar 1 Disorder is characterized by at least one manic or mixed episode and usually involves extreme/more severe mood episodes, ranging between manic and depressive episodes. Psychotic episodes may also be present. - Bipolar 2 Disorders
Bipolar 2 Disorder is characterized by the presence of at least one major depressive episode and at least one episode of hypomania (a milder version of mania). - Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder is a bipolar disorder describing hypomanic episodes with brief periods of less severe/long lasting depression. - Bipolar Disorders not otherwise specified
Bipolar Disorders not otherwise specified is a condition which does not fall neatly into the above 3 conditions, but still has some symptoms of the Bipolar Disorder (mania and/or depressed episodes).
Bipolar Disorder’s High or Manic Episodes
Manic episodes are periods characterized by elevated and/or irritated moods. These periods are the manic ‘highs’ of bipolar disorder and usually last from a couple of days to a week. Whilst in one of these manic episodes, a person may feel a sense of euphoria and boundless energy. This is further expressed through their rapid speech, racing thoughts and their lack of a desire to sleep. Other common elements of manic episodes include the sufferer being less concerned with what others think of them and the engagement of inappropriate or risky behaviours. Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking & speech are also possible during a manic episode.
The experiences of a manic episode can be quite scary for some sufferers, whilst others find them very enjoyable (as said before, they feel really high). The latter is a great concern, as sufferers are less likely to seek help, as they don’t feel that there is anything wrong.
Bipolar Disorder’s Lows or Depressive Episodes
The lows of Bipolar Disorder are the depressive episodes; and as the name suggests, they are quite unpleasant. Whilst in a depressive episode, a person may have feelings of lowered mood; such as irritability, sadness, and tearfulness. They may experience a loss of interest in otherwise enjoyable activities and have lowered motivation and energy. Changes in a person’s appetite, weight and sleeping patterns; also occur. They may also have feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and have issues with concentration & memory. Thoughts about suicide are also not uncommon whilst in a depressive episode.
This has been a brief introduction to Bipolar Disorder, a condition that affects 51 million people worldwide, and over 285,000 Australians. If you found this interesting and you want to learn more, then be sure to purchase your ticket for our Bipolar and Depression Seminar; hosted on 30th June 2015 at 7:00pm.
Clinical Director, Anneke Bull is providing an in-depth presentation about Bipolar and Depression. Anneke Bull spent over 30 years working in the public mental healthcare system and she has seen it all.
So if you are interested in learning more about the interesting world of Bipolar and Depression, then you won’t want to miss out on this presentation.