Bipolar disorder occurs around age 25, affects both men and women and rarely seen in children. The cause is unknown, but hereditary factors may play a role in its development. The incidence is higher in relatives of people with bipolar disorder and depression.
Bipolar disorder is a disorder characterized by changes in mood ranging from mania (a feeling of comfort, stimulation and exaggerated grandeur in which the person loses touch with reality) to depression (overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, which can include suicidal thoughts and attempts).
There are different types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder is the classic form of this condition, with discrete periods of mania alternating with periods of depression. In a person with bipolar II disorder, depressive phase predominates and there is a real hobby. Period may improve mood and energy in which the person is not completely lost touch with reality (hypomania).
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by American Psychiatric Association describes two types of bipolar disorder type I and type II.
In bipolar disorder type I (previously known as manic-depressive disorder), it has been at least one full manic episode, however, people with this disorder also experience major depressive episodes.
In type II, involving periods of hypomania less severe manic symptoms that alternate with at least one major depressive episode. When patients have a period of deterioration, they may be in a manic state, depressed mood or a combination of both.
Type I: the classical form is characterized by severe manic episodes and depression. In the manic phases can appear delusions (for example, believe God or special powers) and auditory hallucinations (voices that give commands or insult). In the depressive phases there is sadness, listlessness, sluggishness, anxiety, insomnia and loss of appetite.
Type II: characterized by severe depression and moderate stages of euphoria called hypomania. Psychotic symptoms may occur but they must be associated with depressive phases. Moderate stages of euphoria sometimes appear moody or a change of character.
