Bipolar disorder is characterized by the fact that the sufferer has large changes in mood that go from a great euphoria to a deep depression. Although most of us talk only about bipolar disorder, clinically it is divided into two groups, depending on the severity of the changes and the symptoms. These groups are known as Bipolar I and II disorder.
Those who belong to this group are those patients who have suffered a full manic episode, without previous depressive episodes. It is necessary to rule out a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia, as well as a delusional or psychotic disorder that may explain the episode of mania. In this case we would be facing another type of diagnosis.
To determine that bipolar disorder exists, it is necessary that the symptoms suffered by the patient cause him great discomfort or a great deterioration in their social relationships, work or in other important areas of the patient's life.
In this group the manic disorders are less severe than in the previous one, and for this picture to occur it is It is necessary that in the patient's history there have been one or more episodes of major depression accompanied from
As in type I disorder, it is necessary that the symptoms cannot be explained by other psychiatric disorders and that they seriously disrupt the life of the individual.
Bipolar disorders also include Cyclothymic disorder. To diagnose it it is necessary that at least 2 years of manic symptoms who do not meet the criteria to be considered manic episodes and numerous periods of depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
