Unhappy bipolar 2 patient

Symptoms of Bipolar 2

Bipolar 2 patients do have highs as well as lows; these are the hypomanic episodes mentioned above. While not as severe as the manic states of bipolar one patients, these episodes lead to patients walking, talking, thinking and working faster. There is a sense of optimism and great enthusiasm in bipolar 2 patients during these episodes of hypomania.

The Ups and Downs of Bipolar Type 2

Bipolar 2 is often diagnosed after a patient has had at least one severe depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode without any manic episodes being experienced. In the event that there is no other explanation for these symptoms, a diagnosis of bipolar 2 will be made.

Depressive Episodes

A major depressive episode is exactly as the name suggests; a period of severe depression. The symptoms of these episodes are identical to those of clinical depression and include:

–A decreased interest in life in general, including favored activities.
–Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability.
–A loss of energy.
–Changed sleeping patterns.
–Restlessness.
–Difficulty making decisions.
–Having trouble concentrating.
–Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
–Feelings of hopelessness.
–Thoughts of suicide or death.

These depressive episodes can be quite severe; while the hypomanic phase of bipolar 2 makes patients feel good about themselves and are generally quite productive at these times, the cost of these upswings is high. Coming down from these euphoric states into a severe depression can be very difficult to cope with.

Bipolar mania, perhaps better known by the name manic depression is a serious mental disorder which may be due to a number of different factors. There is no consensus on exactly what causes bipolar manic depression, but emotional, neurological and genetic factors are all believed to play a role. Bipolar mania manifests as mood changes which range from manic to extreme depression.

In the last several years, mental health professionals have started to look at bipolar mania as having two distinct types, with a different diagnosis and therapeutic course for each. Type one bipolar mania (also called raging bipolar mania) is characterized by manic phases lasting for a week or more. Type two bipolar mania (also called rapid cycling bipolar mania) is manifested as quickly cycling bipolar manic and depressive phases in the patient, often within the space of a single week.

Bipolar Manic

An especially severe form of bipolar manic disorder is hypomania, which is sometimes seen in type one bipolar mania patients. Hypomania, to put it simply is diagnosed when an extended manic phase is combined with symptoms of psychosis such as delusions or hallucinatory symptoms.

Type One Bipolar

Type one bipolar mania patients may also experience mixed episodes; these consist of both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. A typical experience for a bipolar mania patient going through a mixed episode may be emotional depression combined with an inability to concentrate and insomnia – symptoms more typical of a bipolar manic phase.

Type one bipolar mania is the most common form of the disorder but thankfully also the most treatable. Type one is easier  to treat since the symptoms are mostly of one kind. There are extended manic phases, with depressive phases being brief and infrequent. The symptoms can be treated with one medication rather than two (for the most part). In type one bipolar mania, mood stabilizing drugs are often an effective treatment for patients, with antidepressants or anti psychotics rarely needed.

Bipolar Medication Options

However, it is the type and severity of the patient’s symptoms which determine the medications used to treat them. Lithium is used for patients who have relatively mild, yet persistent bipolar manic symptoms. In patients who have frequent mixed bipolar mania episodes however, antipsychotic drugs like Depakote are used instead.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT) is also a frequently used treatment for type one bipolar mania. The patients are generally rational and focused enough to be able to benefit from this type of therapy, which can help them avoid factors which trigger severe episodes, sometimes with the result that the patient can largely suppress them. In patients who have hypomanic episodes however, this treatment is not nearly as effective.

Type one bipolar mania, generally speaking, can be controlled through a combination of medications and therapy. If you think that you may have this disorder, see your physician so that they can make a diagnosis of type one bipolar mania, if necessary and proceed with a course of treatment.

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