Monday, February 2, 2009

Bipolar 2 - An Overview of Symptoms and Treatment Options

By Ken P Doyle

The classifications within the broader term of bipolar disorder have narrowed due to the increased number of studies and diagnosis done over a number of years. One of these narrowing classifications that have helped to identify the various types and kinds of bipolar is bipolar 2. People who suffer from bipolar 2 often experience symptoms such as swinging from depressed to hypo manic states without the manic states or manic depression that is found in bipolar 1.

Recognizing the Signs of Bipolar and Bipolar 2

In general, recognizing manic depression is not as difficult as recognizing the characteristics of the individual types of bipolar. In a lot of cases, the differences between the various types can be subtle and hard to recognize. To know if a person is suffering from bipolar 2, it is essential that you are also able to recognize a mild bipolar known as hypomania which forms one of the symptom sets for this form of bipolar.

A person that suffers from hypomania runs in cycles between the productive manic phase and a baseline or normal phase. These people rarely become depressed and rarely have manic episodes. What this means for those with bipolar is that they do not extend far enough into the manic portion of the cycle to have a true manic episode. However, they will they will cycle back to normal and then down into depression before returning to complete the cycle

This is one of the main differences between bipolar manic depression and this form of bipolar. Individuals who have bipolar 2 will have symptoms of depression, which can be as severe as in manic depression which is found in bipolar 1. They will then cycle upwards, in some cases rapidly to normal behavior and then into the hypo manic phase.

It is usually characterized by high energy but very rarely has excessively dangerous activities. For instance, a person maybe talkative, hyper, even up to the stage of cleaning their home to an extensive degree. They may also be highly productive on a project or may even spend excessively though they rarely spend to the point of endangering finances.

Treatment Options

Anti depressants is what is normally used to treat someone suffering from bipolar 2. This at the standard dosage works well on normal bipolar manic depression but can actually be a problem for those who have other types of bipolar. Milder doses are required especially if antipsychotics are being used. Anticonvulsants, which have mood stabilizing properties, can also be used in these cases without creating negative side effects. Bipolar 2 individuals are also recommended to acquire therapy.

Bipolar is not something you have to suffer with, there are treatment options available that can help you lead a complete and normal life. Getting diagnosed and getting help is essential to ensuring this. Many people shy away from seeking out the help of mental health professionals however, this can prevent you from leading an active and full life. Bipolar 2 and bipolar affective disorder can affect not only your home life but your ability to hold a job and provide for your family but it does not have to educated yourself and seek help in taking back your life. - 16004

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