BIPOLAR DISORDER

By Oscar Suy-Perez
The psychological disorder that I have chosen is bipolar disorder. This disorder causes unusual shifts

in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, & the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks (NIMH, 2020).

People that have bipolar disorder will experience high (mania) & low (depression) moods. The symptoms of

bipolar disorder vary person to person & in its severity. To start off, people must experience at least one

episode of mania or hypomania (NAMI, 2017). People experiencing a manic episode will have a “high”; they

become irrational & behave impulsively, irritable, & unpredictably. About half of all patients diagnosed

hallucinate, & others do not have that intense manic episode that interferes with their life (WebMD, 2019).

The milder manic episodes are called hypomania.

The other side of bipolar disorder are the depressive episodes. These episodes can be very

debilitating, getting up from bed becomes a heavy chore, while deciding on what to eat for dinner can be

immensely overwhelming (NAMI, 2017). During the depressive episodes, people may have trouble falling

asleep; others may sleep a lot more than usual. People’s thoughts become extremely negative, which may

lead to suicide. Symptoms also include loss of energy, uncontrollable crying, appetite changes, & losing

interest in things they used to like (WebMD, 2019). People suffering from bipolar disorder may also

experience both manic & depressive symptoms in the same episode. They might feel very sad & empty inside

whilst being extremely energized (NIMH, 2020).

Bipolar disorder has 4 different types: 1) Bipolar I Disorder, 2) Bipolar II Disorder, 3) Cyclothymic

Disorder (Cyclothymia), & 4) Bipolar Disorder, “other specified” & “unspecified.” Bipolar I Disorder is what we

normally think of as bipolar. To be diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, people must have experienced one or

more episodes of mania. The manic episodes must last for at least 7 days or be so severe, hospitalization is
required. An episode of depression is not necessary for diagnosis (NAMI, 2017). Bipolar II Disorder is

diagnosed as a pattern of depressive & hypomanic episodes (NIHM, 2020).

Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, is the 3rd type of bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia is a chronically

unstable mood state where people experience mild depression & hypomania for at least 2 years. They may

also have brief moments of normal moods, but they usually last less than 8 weeks (NAMI, 2017). The final

type of bipolar disorder is called “other specified” & “unspecified.” This is when a person does not meet the

criteria for the other types of bipolar disorder, but still have experienced periods of clinically significant

abnormal mood elevation (NAMI, 2020).

Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition that can be treated. Medication is usually the first option,

which include “mood stabilizers,” antipsychotic drugs, & antidepressants. Psychotherapy is used as well.

People with drug or alcohol problems, or those who have 4 or more episodes in a year have forms of the

illness that is harder to treat (WebMD, 2019).

People with bipolar disorder have a lifelong battle with themselves. Manic episodes can make a

person a danger to themselves & to others, especially when it is extreme. The depressive episodes can drive

many to suicide. Although the mental illness is treatable, many people shy away from the treatment to avoid

things such as embarrassment & the medical bills. However, just a simple talk with someone about their

feelings is a great way to start. In the beginning, it can be very awkward, but in the end, it is worth the

embarrassment. A friend or family member’s life will be saved just by talking about it & helping them seek

medical treatment. It is just one sentence away.