There are many names which can be given to bipolar disorder and some of these include bipolar affective disorder, manic-depressive illness, manic depression, bipolar mod disorder and manic-depressive disorder. The general symptoms that people with bipolar disorder often experience include unusual shifts in mood, energy, behavior and normal functioning ability. The mood swings can be from high periods of mania to low episodes of depression. The severity of the disorder will determine the frequency of the mood swings. There are different categories that bipolar diseases can be placed under and this will depend on the type of symptoms that are being shown by the person affected. These categories or types include bipolar 1 disorder, bipolar disorder 2, cyclothymic disorder and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified.

Bipolar 1 Disorder

People who suffer from this type of disorder often experience both bipolar mania and depression. Bipolar 1 disorder is more commonly known as bipolar disorder 1. Bipolar 1 disorder differs from bipolar disorder 2 in terms of the duration and severity of the symptoms. The duration of the symptoms in bipolar 1 disorder can last anywhere from weeks to a couple of months.

Type 2: Bipolar Disorder 2

People who suffer from bipolar disorder 2 often experience severe depression along with periods of mild mania known as hypomania. There are no delusions experienced with this type of disorder but mental functionality is still impaired.

Type 3: Cyclothymic Disorder

Alternate attacks of hypomania and mild depression can be experienced by people with this type of disorder. The symptoms of this type of disorder are not as severe as the previously mentioned types of disorders but are longer in duration with no break in the occurrence of symptoms.  

Type 4: Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

This type includes those bipolar symptoms and features that don’t meet any of the categories of bipolar disorder, such as very rapid alternation between depressive symptoms and manic symptoms, recurrent episodes of hypo manic phase without depression, and hypo manic episodes that are associated with chronic depression.

Bipolar disorder 1 is the most severe of all the types of bipolar disorders. It will possibly have a high frequency of recurrence if left untreated. This type has an estimated 15% death risk by suicide rate. It also considered as third on the list of leading causes of death among people aged fifteen to twenty-four years old.

The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder 1

Both manic and depression phases is experienced with bipolar 1 disorder and the usual symptoms like unusual happiness and sadness ,grandiose delusions, pressured speech, change in eating and sleeping patterns and suicidal attempts can also be expected. 

How to Teat Bipolar 1 Disorder

Some of the more commonly used medications in the treatment of bipolar 1 include mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics. Anxiety, insomnia and restlessness can also be managed by other prescribed medications. In some cases, psychotherapy is also a choice of treatment.

Having a bipolar disorder, especially bipolar 1 disorder is something that should not be taken for granted since it can really lead to death due to suicide if left untreated. Prompt treatment should be sought once the symptoms occur.