Bi polar is a debilitating illness that affects the ventromedial prefrontal region of the brain, there are currently two types of bi polar known to science, type one, and type two. Type one bi polar is considered to be the most severe, this disorder can cause full blown manic outbursts, sometimes up to a week in length. However there is help available and information to aid you in your understanding of the disorder.
Bi Polar Type 1
Bi polar type one is diagnosed by the patient having at least 1 manic episode, and 1 depressive episode within a space of time. In bi polar type 1, the mania is full blown, lasting for a week or more. If the patient seems to experience the mania for longer than a week, then hospitalization may be required until the illness is under control. Bi Polar type 1 is a very dangerous disorder, as the patient may experience episodes such as hallucination, thus losing control on reality, they will feel like undertaking an accelerated lifestyle, which can prove to be dangerous as the need for adrenaline and danger may easily rage out of control, posing the patient as a danger to themselves, and others.
Symptoms Of Type 1
- Abnormally high self esteem
- Excessive talking
- Participating in dangerous activities
- Feeling drowsy, or disorientated
- Over thinking
Bi Polar Type 2
This form of bi polar is diagnosed with the occurrence of one hypomania episode and one major depressive phase, although it is common that more depressive episodes occur when compared to manic episodes. People with type 2 bi polar may feel themselves accelerating at a higher rate than usual, for example:
An A* student who excels in maths, will find themselves studying for days on end, sometimes without sleep, or participation in other activities.
With bi polar type 2, you may find that the need for hospitalization is significantly reduced, as the manic episodes do not occur as much, and are not as severe. They may be hyperactive, but do not hold any psychotic tendencies towards themselves or others.
Bi Polar Type 2 Symptoms
Hypomanic
- High Energy
- Unstoppable Personality
- Incredibly Optimistic
- Irritable
- Overactive Sexuality
Depressive
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Black And White Thinking Patterns
- Wanting To Be Alone
- Low Energy
- Pessimistic Thoughts
As you can see, the thinking patterns vary considerably between manic and depressive, and swinging from one to the other can have devastating effects on a person. Should you, or a relative be experiencing any of the above symptoms then it may be worth seeking medical help. GP’s and counsellors can help and support you through this difficult time.
Several studies across the world have found that Bi Polar type 2 is mostly dominated by depression, and the longer the session goes on for, the less likely the patient is to return to the normal state. Episodes may become more frequent, or more dangerous, it is at this point that medical help is
