Modern Definition Of Bipolar Mood Disorder

A manic-depressive illness or "bipolar mood disorder" is a disturbance of a person's mood characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. These mood swings can be mild, moderate, or severe and are accompanied by changes in thinking and behavior. Fluctuating from one mood to the next is called "cycling."

Although people often use the term "manic-depressive illness" or "manic depression", psychiatric professionals usually use the term "bipolar mood disorder" as is used in current diagnostic manuals. Bipolar refers to the "two poles" of the continuum of mood with depression at one end and mania at the other end. The specific cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Bipolar disorder can be hereditary. More than two-thirds of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder have a close relative with a history of bipolar disorder or clinical depression. Bipolar disorder is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Bipolar disorder affects each patient differently. Some patients experience mild symptoms accompanied with above average creativity, while others have crippling depressive episodes with life-threatening suicidal thoughts. There is a movement towards referring to bipolar mood disorder as bipolar spectrum disorder. This is to account for the many varied ways in which bipolar disorder affects individuals. The spectrum concept describes several subtypes of bipolar disorder.

The current classifications of bipolar mood disorder are bipolar disorder I, bipolar disorder II, cyclothymia, and bipolar disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). Bipolar I is characterized by having experienced at least one manic episode. Someone with bipolar disorder II has experienced at least one episode of hypomania and at least one depressive episode. Cyclothymia is the presence of episodes of hypomania and episodes of dysthymia. The category of bipolar disorder NOS is used to describe individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder but do not fit into one of the regular classifications. There is speculation that the next Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association will include more classifications of bipolar disorder.

The first episode of bipolar disorder usually occurs in young adulthood, but anyone including children and adolescents can develop bipolar disorder. There is no cure for bipolar disorder. It is a life-long condition. There are many methods of treatment. Medications known as mood stabilizers, such as Lithium and Depakote, are commonly used. There are several different therapeutic approaches to helping patients learn to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The course of the illness varies from patient to patient. Without treatment, the frequency and severity of this recurring illness can increase over the years.

Many people with bipolar disorder continue to enjoy productive and fulfilling lives during the periods between episodes. Medication may allow the effected individual to continue to thrive even during an episode. Treatment and community supports have done much to advance the possibility for adjustment to bipolar disorder.

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