Business Description
Bipolar disorder is a condition described by extreme mood swings of ‘highs’ and ‘lows’. The high moods are called mania or hypomania and the low mood is called depression. It is important to note that everyone has mood swings from time to time. It is only when mood swings become extreme and interfere with social and occupational life that bipolar disorder may be present and a psychiatric assessment may be warranted.
There are two types of bipolar disorder, known as bipolar I and bipolar II.
Bipolar I
Bipolar I disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings including periods of mania or hypomania followed by depressive episodes. It is considered a more serious condition in terms of symptoms, with people being more likely to experience mania, and having longer 'highs'. Some people may also have psychotic experiences and be hospitalised, although this is not a requirement for diagnosis.
Bipolar II
Bipolar disorder II is diagnosed when a person experiences the symptoms of at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode in their lifetime, with no psychotic experiences. Hypomanic episodes tend to last a few hours or a few days, although impairment can often be as severe as in bipolar I disorder.
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