Bipolar disorder is an ongoing illness with lifelong ramifications. After many years of intense study and attempting to define the illness, four types of bipolar disorder have been recognized and documented. A treatment course has been developed for each type; however, individuals respond to treatment differently. Physicians must be careful, as many patients who suffer from a manic-depressive state tend to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Whether this is by design or as a symptom of the illness is yet unclear, but those in the grip of a manic episode are more likely to abuse, indication that this type of behavior may be symptomatic.

– Bipolar I: Possibly the worse of the disorders, Bipolar I has deep, long lasting depressive states up to two weeks in duration, followed by a mixed or mid-range state, then seven days of severe mania, often requiring hospitalization. Those who suffer Bipolar I are more likely to commit suicide than any other.

– Bipolar II: This form of Manic Depressive follows a clear pattern of depressed and near manic episodes that cycle regularly. A Bipolar II suffer may complete a full cycle of highs, with a feeling of near normalcy and a depressive state with a monthly time-frame. Mixed symptoms may also develop in this form of the illness as well as Bipolar I.

– Bipolar Not Otherwise Specified: This is where a patient suffers from milder symptoms of bipolar manic depression that do not quite fit the bill of Bipolar II or Bipolar I, whether the symptoms be too short lived or not as severe. Bipolar NOS is still taken very seriously as any incident of mania or depression is cause for alarm.

– Cyclothymia: This is a milder still form of the illness that does not meet the symptomatic requirements yet still requires treatment to control.

Associations To Other Mental Illnesses

Anyone who has one of the first two forms of Bipolar Disorder and has four major episodes with a year is said to have Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is less likely to develop in someone in his or her thirties, although it has occurred. It is also associated with other forms of mental health issues such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder although it is not clear if one necessarily precedes or is conducive to the other. Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder can be so severe that the cycle presents within a twenty-four hour period and is quite crippling physically as well as socially.

A Chronic And Progressive Illness

Beside damages to one\’s career, social, and personal relationships, Bipolar Disorder that is left untreated is a chronic and highly progressive illness. This means that it will become worse until treatment is necessary. When Bipolar Disorder is treated, however, most people can lead productive and happy lives. Treatment consists of a regimen of drugs that regulate the mood chemicals of the brain. The focus of these drugs is to maintain a specific balance. In more severe cases, the patient may still be hospitalized on occasion as treatment is not constantly helpful or drugs need to be adjusted against worsening conditions.

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