The brain is the most vital part of the human body, as without it we wouldn’t be able to function properly. It is the control centre for the whole of the body, controlling everything so that all the organs are functioning correctly, so you can use your motor skills and for all decision making. Any damage to the brain, depending on which part, will affect an area in the body.
For good health everyone should know the importance of keeping fit mentally as well as physically. If you are unwell mentally it can affect you physically, and vice versa.
There is much more known about the facts which affect all kinds of brain disorders, which can in turn affect your daily life and how you live. Some illnesses can affect your motor skills, whilst some brain disorders can have an effect on your skill to make decisions. Some brain disorders occur as a result of an accident, some by disease in later life and others are acquired at birth.
Bipolar II is known as one of the brain disorders which can affect your moods, and you can also get periods of depression for no particular reason. With Bipolar II, a person is also known to have one hypomanic episode at least. In Bipolar Disorder a person has depressive and manic episodes. With Bipolar II and individual will expressive at least one or more episode of depressive and also had at least one hypomanic episode.
Those who suffer from Bipolar II will suffer a hypomanic episode where the mood is constantly either feeling quite elated, tetchy or the mind is wide open. This episode can last for up to or over 4 days. The behaviour can be seen to be very different from how a person normally is when they are not feeling depressed. Symptoms for Bipolar II Disorder hypomanic episodes are found to be quite similar to those experienced by someone with Bipolar Disoder, but they are not as severe.
In Bipolar II, once a person reaches a big episode of depression, they will start to feel useless. They will have a negative outlook on life with feelings of helplessness. There are some cases which severe enough to make a person think about death or even suicide, and some go further to attempt suicide.
When a person has this illness they get hypomanic episodes, where they can still get on with everyday things like work, studying, their social activities with no psychosis. When a person has depressive and hypomanic episodes of four or more in number in one year, they are considered to be have a bipolar disorder that is rapid cycling. This period of cycling is likely to develop at some during their illness. A person who recognises that are having these kind of symptoms should seek help for treatment, as the longer they leave it, the more likely they will suffer frequent episodes of the illness.
Bipolar II is another version of Bipolar Disorder, where the episodes of depression are more apparent than the mania episodes. This illness is not classified as Manic depression, but as one where a person has greater mood and energy swings than normal. There are forms which are so severe, that a person is prone to think of committing suicide.
Bipolar II is an illness that should be taken seriously and should never be left untreated. Anyone who experiences any signs and symptoms or if you notice it any other person, should see a doctor as soon as possible before the illness takes hold. The treatments that are available today do help to minimise the effects that a person suffers from, to stabilise their mood so that they feel normal again. Help and support from family and friend do much to help a person to feel better and recover fully.
As in Bipolar Disorder, this illness is long term which needs constant care and management long term. A person needs to learn patience to help themselves get control of their life again, so that the negative effects are minimised.
With Bipolar II you should learn all about the illness as a sufferer so that you can lead a normal lifestyle and not be a victim to it. You are helping yourself by getting treated early.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/living-with-bipolar-ii-disorder-how-to-lead-a-normal-lifestyle-739493.html
Technorati Tags: Bipolar, Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar Ii Disorder, Brain Disorders, Decisions, depression, Good Health, Human Body, Hypomanic Episode, Hypomanic Episodes, Illnesses, Lead, Lifestyle, Manic Episodes, Moods, Organs, Periods, Reason, Tetchy
Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depressive disorder. It is a mental illness that presents itself as mood swings or mood cycling. Many people do not realize that there are actually two types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder is typically defined as raging mood cycling with episodes of extreme mania and depression, as well as the occasional mixed episode. Bipolar I patients may also experience psychotic or hallucinating symptoms.
Bipolar II disorder is typically defined as rapid mood cycling with episodes of hypomania and depression. Bipolar II disorder does not occur with psychotic or hallucinating symptoms. Additionally, hypomania is defined as a milder form of mania, in which the patient has a period of hightened happiness or elation. Depression with bipolar II patients is often more severe than in patients with bipolar I disorder. Suicide, suicide threats, suicide attempts, and thoughts of suicide are much more common in bipolar II patients than bipolar I patients.
A diagnosis of bipolar II disorder is typically made when the patient has had one or more major depressive episodes, at least one hypomania episode, no manic episodes, and when no other reason for symptoms can be found.
Symptoms of depression with bipolar II disorder include decreased energy, unexplained weight changes, feelings of despair, increased irritability, and uncontrollable crying. Symptoms of hypomania include sleeplessness, racing thoughts, distractibility, excess energy, and rash judgements. These symptoms are similar to mania, but are less severe.
Treatment of bipolar II disorder typically involves a combination of medication and therapy or counseling. Medications typically prescribed for treatment of bipolar II disorder include anti-depressants such as Celexa, as well as mood stabilizers such as Topomax. Mood stabilizers are vitally important in treatment of bipolar disorders, because antidepressants alone can cause the patient to enter into a manic or hypomania episode.
Bipolar II disorder is actually often misdiagnosed as clinical depression. This is due to the fact that depression is most often present, and hypomania episodes rarely come to light in therapy sessions due to their upbeat nature. It is typically through treatment by antidepressants that the correct diagnosis is made, because the patient will spin into a hypomania episode almost immediately if the diagnosis should be bipolar II disorder rather than clinical depression.
Counseling or therapy treatment options for bipolar II disorder may include traditional counseling methods, discussion of triggers and life style changes that can lessen the severity of episodes, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients with a mild case of bipolar II disorder may benefit from counseling or therapy alone without medication. However, this is less common with bipolar II disorder than with bipolar I disorder, due to the nature of the severity of the depressive states.
It is vitally important for people with symptoms of bipolar II disorder to seek the help of mental health professionals as soon as symptoms become evident. Bipolar II disorder patients account for at least half of the suicides each year. To prevent suicidal behavior, it is important for bipolar II patients to be properly diagnosed at an early stage, so that ongoing treatment of the illness can begin and be continued in order to avoid suicidal behavior.
Li Ming Wong
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/about-bipolar-ii-disorder-211790.html
Technorati Tags: Anti Depressants, Bipolar, Bipolar Disorders, Bipolar Ii Disorder, Depressive Disorder, Depressive Episodes, Excess Energy, Hypomania, Major Depressive, Manic Depressive Disorder, Manic Episodes, Mood Stabilizers, Mood Swings, Rash Judgements, Suicide Attempts, Suicide Threats, Symptoms Of Depression, Thoughts Of Suicide, Types Of Bipolar Disorder, Weight Changes
In psychiatry, bipolar syndrome is a kind of medical finding which refers to depressed mood along with a mixed state or hypomania. When compared with people who are normal, people suffering from bipolar depression have mood swings which might range from a few minutes to even a few months. Such people are prone to attempt suicide at any given chance and are equally associated with distress and disruption. Bipolar syndrome is many times linked to extreme functioning and many creative people attribute their creativity to this ailment.
Bipolar disorder is further classified into Type I and Type II. In case of Type I disorder, the affected person is most likely to experience full-blown mania. In case of the Type II ailment, the ‘highs’ of the affected individual do not exceed the hypomania stage unless it was set off by such medications. During such manic periods, psychosis may arise. Rapid cycling can also take place. The extent to which a person may get affected because of such disorder varies from individual to individual and from time to time. Thus, the bipolar spectrum concept is put to use generally and it includes cyclothymia too.
The bipolar ailment is characterized by periods of abnormally disconcerted moods which often lead to the individual feeling depressed. The moderation and the period of such depression also vary from one affected individual to the other. Such fluctuation of mood can cause either improvement in the functioning or an impairment which hugely depends on the severity of the lows and highs of the mood swing. The affected normal routine is also affected due to the alteration in social rhythm, energy level, cognitive functioning, pattern of sleep, and activity level of the person.
The depression which is gone through by people affected with the bipolar depression is quiet similar to that experienced by people suffering from clinical depression. The various symptoms includes sadness, anger, anxiety, guilt, isolation, lack of self confidence, sleep and appetite disturbances, escapism, fatigue, disinterest in things which the person used to enjoy, apathy, shyness, self loathing, irritability, chronic pain, social anxiety, and suicidal tendency.
The most brutal problem an individual faces in today’s world is the period of bipolar depression. Many times the period of such a depression becomes very obvious to people around and is very upsetting.
Certain types of serious depression are supplemented by the symptoms of psychosis. It may consist of delusions (beliefs which are false and cannot be proved or explained with any sort of evidence), hallucinations (hearing, sensing or seeing things which do not really exist), and escapism (finding and making excuses to break out off from apparent stress and unpleasant situations).
People who are so affected may also have the belief that a very powerful body is controlling and hunting them. Many of them may even have the feeling that people who are very close to them are bullying and plotting against them. Many times the anxiety level increases without any reason. They start feeling left out and isolated from near and dear ones. Many people tend to believe in unusual religious sentiments and start thinking that they have supernatural powers and have been born to accomplish a specific task. Delusions are even worse. They generally arise out of the guilt of doing something which must have affected the life of some other person. Many other such contradicting theories have also been associated with the factors triggering bipolar depression. However, none of them has been widely accepted as being perfect.
The basic nature of bipolar depression is flux. It is a state of mind whereby the affected individual is totally immersed in what they are doing. There is complete involvement, absolute focus and success during the activity period. The indicators of bipolar depression are energy, sleep, mood, thought, and activity. The diagnostic subtypes are many times just a sample preview of the continual changes which take place during the ailment period.
In the opinion of the United States National Institute of Mental Health (US NIMH), there is no particular or specific reason for such an ailment. Nevertheless, a number of factors cause such an ailment when combined together. It has also been found that such a disorder runs through the family. Hence researchers are looking for the particular gene. However, most of these researches has ended up proving that more than one gene is responsible for the ailment.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/characteristics-of-bipolar-depression-an-essential-way-to-deal-with-it-739504.html
Technorati Tags: Ailment, Bipolar, Bipolar Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar Spectrum, Bipolar Syndrome, Cognitive Functioning, Depressed Mood, Disruption, Energy Level, Fluctuation, Hypomania, Lows, Manic Periods, Mood Swing, Mood Swings, Moods, Rapid Cycling, Sadness, Suffering From Clinical Depression
For some people, college is four years of fun. Meanwhile, others suffer from severe college depression.
Learn more at http://College.HealthGuru.com?YT/
Duration : 0:2:24
depression/deep-depression-on-campus-college-health-guru#more-1105″ class=”more-link”>Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar, Bipolar Disorder, brain structure changes, Clinical Depression, college depression, Counseling, depression, depression on campus, Depression Symptoms, Dysthymia, Fatigue, Mental Health, Negative Thoughts, psychologist, Sadness, Symptoms Of Depression, therapy
British actor, Stephen Fry, presents the first part of a BBC documentary about Bipolar Disorder / Manic depression.
Amongst those interviewed are Carrie Fisher, Robbie Williams and Tony Slattery.
Duration : 59 min 55 sec
Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: Bipolar
Depression can be incredibly hard to live with; it permeates every part of a person’s life and leaves them feeling very low and unable to cope with day to day life. Most people will have an encounter with depression during their life and most people cope with it and move on without any problems. For people with bipolar depression life can be quite different.
Bipolar depression tends to come in cycles which are mixed with periods when the sufferer feels intense highs. During these highs bipolar depression is forgotten and the person might feel invincible and this can lead to other problems. When someone who is bipolar is in the middle of a bipolar depression period they tend to go into a deep depression, their sleeping patterns can be affected, they may lose their appetite, they lack motivation and their personal relationships can suffer. If the bipolar depression episode is particularly intense they may even contemplate suicide, so it is essential that they learn effective ways that will help them to live with bipolar depression.
Firstly it is important to try to get bipolar depression under control as this will make life slightly easier for the sufferer. This should be done by getting medical advice and treatment to stabilise the moods of the person with bipolar disorder. Medication to control bipolar depression can be prescribed and many people with bipolar disorder find that this is a huge step forward for them. They will still have periods or episodes of bipolar depression but with the correct medication and management these can become less frequent. By lowering the frequency of these periods, a person who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder can deal better with them.
As well as medication, another good way to learn to live with bipolar depression is by attending cognitive behavioural therapy sessions which can help a person to pinpoint triggers for their depression. When a person is able to pinpoint these triggers they can then either try to avoid these types of situations, or if they are unavoidable, learn strategies to cope and lessen the impact of bipolar depression when it strikes. Obviously, this type of treatment is not suitable for everyone but many people do benefit from it and it is worth taking a look at if you suffer from bipolar depression.
Exercise can also play an important role in living with bipolar depression as it encourages the production and release of endorphins, a natural chemical that the body produces when it is happy. This also occurs when a person exercises – so it is a good idea for those people who suffer from bipolar depression to take regular exercise as it will benefit them.
Some people also advocate alternative treatments such as taking up yoga or meditation as it allows the bipolar depression sufferer to relax and learn further coping mechanisms. Whilst not everyone would agree, those people who do practice yoga or meditation do find that it improves their mood and general wellbeing which is both useful and valuable.
Lina Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-live-with-bipolar-depression-831559.html
Technorati Tags: Appetite, Bipolar, Bipolar Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar Medication, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Correct Medication, Depression Medication, Depression Period, Encounter, Medical Advice, Medication, Moods, Motivation, People Find, Periods, Personal Relationships, Sufferer, suicide, Therapy Sessions
I am a sophmore in high school and I have been depressed for about two years. The cause of my depression is events from my past and personal issues going on in my present. Which is more important; the cause or effect of my depression?
Right now I’m thinking about how I’ve let depression control my actions. I’ve missed out on so much and so much has passed me by. I’m wondering if depression was worth all I’ve gained from it.
I have gained a new attitude. Your attitude effects everything else. I will not look past, but look forward. I will not let anything stop me or hold me back. I will live my life and remember that I have two eyes when I only need one. I have freedom. I have so much to live for.
For those who have been depressed, did you gain anything from it?
If so, what?
My depression started at a very young age, probably around six years old. I feel I lost a lot of my enjoyment of life. Now with the medication I am on I think the only thing I have gained from being depressed is understanding others who are depressed or bipolar. Also the feelings and the behaviors of children who are acting out or become very secluded.
Technorati Tags: Bipolar, Control, depression, Feelings, freedom, Medication, New Attitude, Personal Issues, Six Years, Sophmore, Two Eyes, Understanding Others
From my YouTube channel: bipolarORwakingUP.
Duration : 10 min 24 sec
depression/bipolar-how-to-end-depression#more-919″ class=”more-link”>Read the rest of this entry »
Technorati Tags: Bipolar
Manic depression or as it is also known Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that causes the sufferer to have rapid shifts in mood of such a magnitude to affect an individuals normal functioning.
The symptoms of manic depression are quite wide ranging. They normally include large mood swings, ranging from an extreme high, occasionally with irritability, to an extremely low and hopeless mood and back again. In between these two poles of mood are periods of normal mood. As a ratio, the low and depressive mood is most common at a ratio of 3 to 1 manic, or high, mood.
Manic Depression Symptoms – Manic Episode
When a person has symptoms of manic depression and they experience “mania” it is known as a manic episode.
A manic episode is usually characterized by these manic depression symptoms:
* An extreme increase of energy, increased participation in physical and mental activities or restlessness
* An extreme high or euphoria and an overly good mood.
* Heightened irritability
* Fast talking and occasionally jumping from on topic to the next as a result of ideas and thoughts racing through the individuals mind
* A reduction in concentration levels and being distracted very easily
* Not needing a lot of sleep
* Egomania and a belief in one’s abilities and powers regardless of how unrealistic they may be.
* A lack of good judgment
* Spending money regardless of whether it is available to spend or not
* The abnormal behavior lasts for a long period of time
* An increase in sexual drive
* Abusing drugs, in particular alcohol, cocaine and medications to aid sleep
* Aggressive, invasive or confrontational behavior
* Denying that there is something wrong
The diagnosis of a manic episode mostly occurs in an individual when there are three or more manic depression symptoms and they are accompanied by an elevated mood. Then again, if the mood is primarily characterized by high irritability then it must be accompanied by another four symptoms. In either case, the manic depression symptoms must be noticeable for most of the day, nearly every day for at least a week.
Manic Depression Symptoms – Depressive Episode
During a depressive episode, the manic depression symptoms may include:
* Relentlessly feeling sad or empty
* High levels of anxiety
* Feeling hopeless/pessimistic, Dwelling on negative thoughts
* Feeling guilty/worthless
* A lack of motivation and/or energy and feeling like there is nothing worth making an effort for
* No interest in activities usually found pleasurable
* Low or no energy
* Feeling like you are being slowed down or fatigued
* A loss of memory and trouble concentrating on one thing at a time
* Can’t make decisions
Annoyance, rage or petulance
* Having not enough or too much sleep
* Appetite change and/or weight loss/gain without any explanation
* Physical symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury, such as aches and pains
* Suicidal or death related thoughts, possible suicide attempts
A person in a depressive episode who is suffering with manic depression symptoms needs all the help they can get. Throughout the depressive episode, there is a greater possibility of suicide and it is strongly advised that professional help is found as soon as a person starts talking about suicide.
Henry Anderson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/manic-depression-symptoms-131309.html
Technorati Tags: Abnormal Behavior, Abusing Drugs, Bipolar, Cocaine, Concentration Levels, Confrontational Behavior, Egomania, Euphoria, Good Mood, Irritability, Manic Depression Symptoms, Manic Episode, Mental Illness, Mood Swings, Rapid Shifts, Restlessness, Sexual Drive, Spending Money, Sufferer, Symptoms Of Manic Depression
I am having for the first time auditory alucinations. I suffer from Psychotic Depression but I am so afraid to get Schizophrenia. What is the difference between psychotic depression and schizophrenia???
"silkyegg…" — Do your research…SCHIZOPHRENIA and MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER – ARE *NOT* THE SAME THING…IDIOT!
This is from a doctor. The question is asked about schizoaffective & not plain schizophrenia, but I think you you will get the differences:
this info is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions that apply directly to you or your care, ask your healthcare provider(s). This may be more than you were looking for, but here goes:
What is the difference between bipolar disorder with psychotic episodes and schizoaffective disorder?
This is somewhat of a confusing distinction…
• Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by depressive episodes with manic or mixed episodes. A person with bipolar disorder can have psychotic episodes during either a manic phase or depression phase. They key here is that the mood disorder is always present, the psychosis is not.
• In schizoaffective disorder, both symptoms of mood disorder and schizophrenia are present. The patient experiences mood swings and at least 2 psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking) simultaneously – but the psychosis is the dominant feature (the mood swings may come and go). Even if the mood episode(s) clear, psychosis is still present to some degree.
What are the different types of psychoses?
• Schizophrenia
o A person must meet 3 criteria to be schizophrenic:
Display 2 or more of the following symptoms, each present for most of the time during a one-month period:
• Delusions (bizarre/illogical thoughts”)
• Hallucinations (ex: hearing voices)
• Disorganized speech
• Grossly disorganized behavior (ex: dressing for a snowstorm in 90 degree weather) or catatonic behavior
• Negative symptoms (decline in emotional response, decline of speech or motivation)
The above symptoms must significantly impact the person’s ability to function (maintain relationships, work, go to school, etc.)
There must be continuous signs of the disturbance persist for at least six months. This six-month period must include at least one month of symptoms
• Shchizoaffective disorder – as described above
• Schizophreniform – related to schizophrenia, with two differences:
o The total duration of the illness is at least 1 month but less than 6 months
o Significantly impaired function is not required, though it may be present as well.
• Brief psychotic episode: A person may experience psychotic symptoms that are of sudden onset, short lived, and followed by return to baseline function. Not associated with another illness, medical condition or medication/drug
• Delusional Disorder: Person does not meet the criteria for schizophrenia (though may experience tactile/olfactory hallucinations), however, experiences delusions. Delusions are typically not bizarre (jealous delusions very common), person is usually highly-functioning.
• Shared psychotic episode: Rare! Psychotic symptoms are shared between 2 individuals such as siblings/spouses.
• Important to note that various medical conditions such as alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, lyme disease, electrolyte disturbances etc. can cause psychotic symptoms. As can many medications/drugs/alchohol.
Is it possible to be manic and depressed at the same time?
• Yes, this is referred to as a “mixed” state or episode, where symptoms of depression and mania occur simultaneously.
HOPE THIS HELPS!
EDIT: Please note that if you are ever diagnosed w/schizophrenia, do to your depression you will more than likely will receive the diagnosis of schioaffective instead — the affective simply means that you some type of mood disorder along w/schizophrenia -
EDIT: "matt" you did a good job at giving characteristics of schizophrenia, however, you obviously have no idea what psychosis is: "People experiencing psychosis may report hallucinations or delusional beliefs, and may exhibit personality changes and disorganized thinking. This may be accompanied by unusual or bizarre behavior, as well as difficulty with social interaction and impairment in carrying out the activities of daily living." SCHIZOPHRENIA & PSYCHOSIS ARE SYNONOMUS" –"COOKIE" has written a well thought out/well organized question -I HARDLY THINK SHE IS "WHACKED"!!! That being said, from my experience w/depression I would have to agree you – depression is a battle that must eventually fought internally — MEDS & THERAPY, though can be a great comfort blanket for those waiting to realize this!
Technorati Tags: Bipolar, Bipolar Disorder, Degree Weather, Depressive Episodes, Dominant Feature, Hallucinations, Healthcare Provider, Hearing Voices, Manic Depression, Manic Phase, Mood Disorder, Mood Swings, Multiple Personality Disorder, Patient Experiences, Psychosis, Psychotic Depression, Psychotic Episodes, Psychotic Symptoms, Schizophrenia, Snowstorm