Type 2 bipolar disorder
September 3rd, 2010Type 2 bipolar disorder
Over the last several decades the field of mental illnesses has changed completely. From not accepting various mental disorders as legitimate illnesses to having special laws laid down by governments, our understanding and acceptance of these issues is significantly advanced. Among the earliest disorders to be known and studied was Bipolar disorder. A person who has Bipolar disorder experiences extreme mood swings between mania (high) and depression (low). These mood changes are not only sudden, but also last for unusually long periods of time which affect energy levels and behaviour. In severe cases, Bipolar disorder interferes with normal functioning and affects every aspect of the person’s life. In order to better understand Bipolar disorder, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV-TR published by the American Psychiatric Association, has divided the disorder into subtypes. These are based on the intensity of the symptoms and the frequency of depressive or manic episodes. One subtype is the Type 2 Bipolar disorder. This is also known as a Bipolar Spectrum disorder and has specific criteria to differentiate it from the other subtypes of the Bipolar Spectrum disorder. According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV-TR, the criteria for Type 2 Bipolar Disorder are that the person should have a history of or there should be present one or more Major Depressive episode. There should also be present or there be a history of at least one Hypomanic episode. Along with a major depressive episode and a hypomanic episode the person should not have had any manic episode or a mixed episode. Also the above symptoms should not be due to any other condition like Schizophrenia, Delusional disorder, etc. Finally, the symptoms result in clinically significant imparment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning. The biggest difference between Type 2 Bipolar disorder and Type 1 Bipolar disorder is that there is the presence of hypomania, the symptoms of which are not as extreme or severe as mania. Type 2 Bipolar disorder symptoms include (for depression) extreme feelings of sadness and worry, lethargy, constant tiredness, increased sleep, low concentration and easy distractibility, lack of appetite, increased irritation and short temper, decreased sense of self worth and lack of self esteem, suicidal ideation etc. Symptoms for hypomania include feelings of extreme happiness, optimism, inflated sense of self, decreased judgement, impulsive behaviour, increase in risk taking behaviours, decreased sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts etc. Since it is Hypomania, the psychotic symptoms of hallucinations and delusions are not present. Treatment for Type 2 Bipolar disorder is medication, generally mood stabilizers. Anti depressants are also helpful sometimes with some patients. Non-medication therapies are also used such as social rhythm therapy, behavioural therapy, cognitive therapy etc.