Bipolar I and bipolar II disorder are illnesses that lead to severe mood swings, called episodes, with the most severe form being bipolar I, marked by cycling between extreme emotional ups (manic episodes) and downs (depressive episodes). With bipolar II, the “up” cycle never reaches full-blown mania. Instead, people experience intense elevated moods known as “Hypomania”. People with both bipolar I and II also suffer from depressive episodes, however the depression will usually be less intense than those with bipolar II.
The manic phase can include the following symptoms:
- Agitation or irritation
- Inflated self-esteem (delusions of grandeur, false beliefs in special abilities)
- Little need for sleep
- Noticeably elevated mood
- Hyperactivity
- Increased energy
- Lack of self-control
- Racing thoughts
- Over-involvement in activities
- Poor temper control
- Reckless behavior
- Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug use
- Impaired judgment
- Spending sprees
- Tendency to be easily distracted
Symptoms of depressive episodes of bipolar disorder may include:
- Low moods
- Hopelessness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Overeating and weight gain
- Persistent sadness
- Sleep disturbances
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Suicidal thoughts
Americare works with patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder by establishing firm routines that can help manage their daily activities which include sufficient sleep, regular meals, and exercise.
