Types of Bipolar Mania

Bipolar Mania or manic depression is a mental disorder that causes mood swings. These mood swings are extreme and go from very high mania to very low depression. Bipolar is usually broken into two types which are treated differently.

Two Types

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The two types of Bipolar Mania are simply referred to as type one bipolar and type two bipolar. Type one is also referred to as raging Bipolar Mania and causes episodes to last over long periods of time. Type two is also called rapid cycling bipolar and the episodes rapidly change with very little time spent in one type of episode.

Type One

Type one Bipolar Mania results in the longer occurrence of episodes, but can also produce mixed episodes where a person may experience symptoms that relate to both manic and depressive episodes. This is the most common type of bipolar and also the most easily treated.

Type one usually will result in longer manic episodes that are followed by shorter depressive episodes. Manic episodes will occur more often than depressive ones. Usually this allows for the person to be treated with just one type of medication instead of needing a combination of medications. The most common treatment is the use of mood stabilizers like lithium.

Therapy also plays a role in treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, called CBT, is used a lot with type one. CBT can helps a person to learn about what triggers their episodes and how to avoid triggers.

Type Two

Type two Bipolar Mania has less severe manic episodes than type one. Usually a person with bipolar type two will switch between the highs and lows often. Many people may not be bothered by the manic episodes and therefore the depressive episodes appear more severe. This can lead to misdiagnosis as just depression instead of seeing the complete picture and diagnosing it as bipolar type two. The treatment for bipolar type two usually will focus on the depressive episodes. The manic episodes usually do not result in the extreme, dangerous behavior that would warrant treatment with medication.

Medications used will usually involve mood stabilizers, but can also include combinations of mood stabilizers and antidepressants. Patients will also receive some type of psychotherapy which will help them learn to live with the bipolar disorder.

No matter whether a person has type one or two Bipolar Mania, it still has a profound effect on their life. Treatment is very important, but only after a proper diagnosis. A person can get their episodes under control through proper treatment and live a very ordinary life. Bipolar disorder does not have to make a person feel like a prisoner or feel like they can not get through the day.

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Types of Bipolar Mania

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