Bipolarity

The different types of bipolarity

The types of bipolarity are conditions that are marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy, and behavior.

Bipolar disorder formerly manic-depressive psychosis Is the Mood sickness. It is characterized by an alternation of high (mania), low (depression) and stable periods. The Diagnosis takes about 9 years in France (2022) and the disease can have serious consequences such as suicide.

Let's go back to simple definitions of the 3 main phases of bipolarity :

- A state of euphoria, called mania.
- A state of overwhelm, called depression.
- A state without symptoms during which most people with the condition feel normal and are doing normal activities.

This disease is not a character defect or a sign of personal weakness, it is a psychological disorder diagnosed by a specialist doctor, often a psychiatrist.

It occurs mainly among young people aged 15 to 25. Its consequences are sometimes dramatic.

The different types of bipolarity:

The different types of bipolar disorders are determined by the characteristics and severity of symptoms ups and downs. When we talk about bipolar disorder, the question of whether it is type 1 or type 2 comes up often. However, many people don't know the differences between the two.

This article aims to explain the key differences between the bipolar disorder Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 3, Type 4, Type 5.

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders): two basic types.

Type 1 bipolarity:

The bipolar disorder type 1 is a type that can be very difficult to manage.

The symptoms of mania include overflowing energy, impulsiveness, hyperactivity, euphoria, and accelerated thinking. Disconnection from reality and irritability are also common.

Les manic episodes can last several weeks, and are sometimes so severe that a hospitalization is necessary. Although depressive episodes are not necessary for the Diagnosis, they are often present in patients with bipolar disorder type 1, and can be just as serious as manic episodes.

In addition to manic episodes, episodes of depression lasting at least two weeks andHypomania may also occur, as well as mixed states. It is important for people with bipolar disorder type 1 to receive a medical treatment appropriate, as it may help prevent manic and depressive episodes, and improve their quality of life.

Type 2 bipolarity:

The bipolar disorder type 2 Is a milder form of bipolarity compared to type 1. Hypomania episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes, are accompanied byat least one depressive episode.

Patients with this disorder may experience symptoms of atypical depression, agitated and mixed, as well as anxiety and more frequent suicidal ideation. Depressive episodes generally last longer than two weeks and hypomania should last at least four days.

The person's behaviors are different from the norm for observers, even if they are not as extreme as in type 1. Type 2 bipolar disorder is more common in women than among men, according to a 2003 study. Although bipolar type 2 disorder is less severe than type 1, it can still be extremely difficult to manage for people with the condition, who may need treatment to stabilize their mood and improve their quality of life.

Outside of DSM-5

Type 3 bipolarity:

The bipolar disorder type 3 is caused pharmacologically by the Taking antidepressants.

Episodes of hypomania or mania are generated by taking antidepressants, while depressive episodes are caused by family history manias and/or bipolar disorders. Patients with this disorder may present with manic mood swings while being in a depressive phase, requiring treatment with thymoregulators to stabilize their mood disorder.

Type 4 bipolarity or cyclothymia:

Type 4 disorder also says cyclothymic is a mood disorder characterized by fluctuations in high and depressive states of mind.

Unlike bipolar disorders type 1 and 2, the symptoms of high mood state and depressive state are not not severe enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for mania, hypomania, or depression. However, this does not mean that the disorder is less significant or severe than other types of bipolarity, as it may have a impact important on the person's quality of life.

The others bipolar disorders like type 5 which is not recognized by the DSM-5 and related specified and unspecified include bipolar symptoms that do not meet the criteria for bipolar 1, 2, 3, or 4/cyclothymic disorders.

Type 5 bipolarity:

The bipolar disorder type 5 is characterized by a daily hyperactivity and high speed, making it hard to think of him as bipolar. However, the person may fall into depression, which is then called bipolar depression. Patients with this disorder present with Suicidal risk twice as important. If bipolar disorder is not treated properly or if the person is in denial for many years, their mental health will be at risk, and their illness will progress to more serious syndromes such as schizophrenia, fibromyalgia, or a constant state of psychosis.

Medical, personal and environmental observation is necessary in order to guide the diagnosis of your disorder. If you have any doubts about your mental health, consult a specialist. If this is easier for you, talk to your GP. He will be able to advise and guide you.

“Bipolar disorder is quite common in France. Around 2.4 out of 100 people are affected. Treatments exist to reduce the intensity and consistency of extreme changes in mood, thought, energy, and behavior. “

Bipolar disorder is represented by 2 phases, the depressive phase And the manic phase or elation. The following characteristics are not exhaustive and vary from person to person.

The importance of the psychiatrist in determining the types of bipolarity

It is important to note that the diagnosis and classification of bipolar disorder is complex and require a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.

Les symptoms and experiences of each patient are Uniques, and it can be difficult to determine the type of bipolarity based solely on online descriptions or self-assessments.

If you think you might be suffering from bipolarity, it's important to consult a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or general practitioner you can also contact the expert centers of the Fondation Fondamental. They may ask you questions about your medical and family histories, current symptoms, and past experiences to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder and, where appropriate, of What type.

The treatment Of bipolarity may vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder, it is therefore essential to consult a mental health professional For a Diagnosis accurate and to receive a appropriate treatment.

Don't let fear or stigma stop you from seeking help if you think you might be suffering from bipolarity. Appropriate care can greatly improve quality of life and prevent long-term complications.

One medical, personal observation and environmental is necessary in order to guide the diagnosis of your disorder. If you have any doubts about your mental health, consult a specialist. If this is easier for you, talk to your GP. He will be able to advise and guide you.

“Scientific” description

It seems important to me, before going any further, to fully understand what the bipolarity. Please note that I am not a doctor or psychologist. The information I am presenting here is based on my reading, as well as my personal knowledge.

In order to understand what bipolar disorder is, it is interesting to go to the origin of the majority of mental disorders. Indeed, although there is no possible clinical finding on modern imaging, there is a starting point for these disorders. This starting point is located at the level of neuron neurotransmitters.

Roughly speaking, we all know what a neuron is. Simply put, it is the smallest cell that exists in our body. We all have billions of them. Each neuron belongs to and processes a specific domain. In the case of bipolarity the Neuron neurotransmitters work differently.

But What is the link between all this and the mental disorders ? Well, it turns out that these disorders are caused by neurotransmitter dysfunction. More specifically, neurotransmitters related to mood for bipolar disorder.

Now that we've quickly seen the scientific causes, let's look at the consequences.

What are the consequences?

In concrete terms, this directly influences the state of your mood. Thus, we can observe, in a person with no disorder, a” Mood scale “ranging from -2 to +2. That of a bipolar can range from -10 to +10.

What happens when I am at -10? ”: It's there depression. In a depressive phase, nothing makes you want anything except your bed. Ideas get dark and sometimes, all too often, desires to suicide appear.

What happens when I'm at +10? ”: It is themanic state. In the manic phase, you are the king of the world. Everything is possible and beautiful. Sometimes, often, delusions and desires for greatness appear.”

Learn more about the definition and symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Who has bipolarity?

The bipolar disorder is found in all ages, ethnic groups and social classes. It is the 6th cause of handicap at the global level according to theWorld Health Organization (WHO). According to data from the fundamental foundation, this disease affects 2 million French people according to UNAFAM at some point in their lives. (2.4% of the world's population according to the WHO) It usually begins in late adolescence and often occurs in the form of depression, although it can start in early childhood or later in life.

Although a equal number of men and women develop bipolar disorder, the course of the disease differs between the sexes. A peer-reviewed research study published in the academic journal” Psychiatric Clinics of North America ” in 2003 identified several sex-related differences with respect to bipolar disorder. First, men tend to start their illness with a manic episode, while women start with a depressive episode. Likewise, women experience mixed manias, depressive episodes, and rapid cycles more often than men.

The disease seems to have a genetic link. In fact, an article published in the highly respected academic journal “Neuroscience” qualifies the bipolar disorder of “The most hereditary medical diseases”. Ongoing research is aimed at identifying the specific genes that predispose a person has this disease.

Like depression and other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder can also have negative repercussions about spouses, partners, family members, friends, and co-workers.

Is bipolarity common in children?

Bipolar disorder is more likely to affect children of parents who have it than children of parents who don't have it.

According to a 2007 longitudinal study, when one parent has this condition, the risk of their children developing a bipolar disorder is around 30-40% (one chance out of four or one chance out of three). Likewise, when both parents have this disorder, the risk that their children will also develop it increases to over 60% (one chance out of two).

Les symptoms Can be difficult to recognize in children, as they can be confused with emotions and behaviors that are considered usual at their age. Les symptoms may appear in a variety of behaviors.

According to the “American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,” up to a third of the 3.4 million children with depression in the United States, I don't have a figure on France, could actually have early bipolar disorder.

Treatment options

There are currently several different therapies, and numerous promising new treatments are currently under consideration. As bipolar disorder can be difficult to treat, it is highly recommended that you consult a psychiatrist and psychologist or a general practitioner with experience in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Treatments may include medicines, a therapy through speech and support groups.