What is Bipolar?

http://delectablydawn.com/blog-a-day-challenge-blog-hop/

Day 7 of the 31 Day Blog-a-Day Challenge 

I just found out recently that my daughter may be Bipolar with Mood Disorder.  

The therapist wants to do another test to be sure.  

Since I do not know that much about Bipolar, 

I thought, hey, I better educate myself.  

Knowledge is power, you know.

So I took to the Internet and found this article online at Healthline.

Understanding Bipolar Depression

Written by Stephanie Pierce | Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD

Bipolar disorder, also known as “manic depression,” is a mental disorder that causes severe episodes of alternating depression and mania (euphoria and excitement). While many people without bipolar disorder experience mood swings, those in people who have

the disorder are severe enough to affect their life. 

Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are three main categories of bipolar disorder: bipolar 1, bipolar 2, and cyclothymic disorder. Diagnoses for each of these conditions are based on criteria set out by the American Psychiatric Association.

Bipolar 1: A person has had at least one manic or one mixed episode (which includes both depression and mania). The person may or may not have had a major depressive episode.

Bipolar 2:A person has had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode (but not a fully manic or mixed episode). A hypomanic episode is characterized by an elevated or irritable mood that lasts four days or more.

Cylothymic Disorder:  A person has had numerous hypomanic episodes and periods of depression — but has never had a full manic episode, a major depressive episode, or a mixed episode. For a diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder, symptoms last two years or more (one year in children and adolescents).

What Causes Bipolar Disorder, and Who is at Risk?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. However, there are some factors that can contribute to the triggering of symptoms, including: substance abuse, pregnancy, hormone or chemical imbalances, family history, and periods of extreme emotional stress. Anyone can be at risk for bipolar disorder, although there are certain factors that can increase that risk. For most people who have the disorder, symptoms begin in their early 20s.

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Thanks to Healthline:  Connect to Better Health

Written by Stephanie Pierce | Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD