There are two types of bipolar disorders and they have been classified as Bipolar Disorder Type 1 and Bipolar Disorder Type 2. Of the two types, Type 1 is the more manageable of the two and can be controlled to a great extent with medication and other forms of therapy. In the case of Type 2, very often the symptoms are more intense and it is much more difficult to effect a manageable state of mind.
First off, let’s take a look at what bipolar disorder is. It is a condition of the brain and it means the patient goes through mood swings which at times can be very drastic. This is a form of mania that can find its roots in disturbances to the psychological, emotional and neurological parts of the brain. It can also be the result of physical and environmental factors. As the name implies, it is a swing between two poles – so these people go from one extreme to another when it comes to moods.
In Bipolar Disorder Type 1, the depressive moods or mood swings could last up to a week at times. Very often, there are just one or two attacks annually though the mood swings can be quite extreme – from happy to sad and miserable in the matter of minutes. The good news is that medical science has made huge strides in this area and there are drugs to control the swings and keep the patient on a fairly even keel. Coupled with therapy sessions, Bipolar Disorder Type 1 can be controlled and managed to a great extent. Today, the condition is no longer classified as a ‘mental’ condition that necessitates staying out of sight from the world. In fact, with so many people who suffer from this being very intelligent, the fact that drugs can control this condition means that they are free to pursue their studies and research instead of being kept away and very often, as how it was, being locked away because they were classified as being ‘mad’.
In Bipolar Disorder Type 2, the mood swings are worse that the ones in Type 1 and the depressive spells last longer. Unfortunately, in this condition, very often the patients suffer from suicidal tendencies and it takes a lot of effort to try and keep them happy and normal. There are drugs that have been found to be effective but much higher strengths have to be used and this in turn might make the patient dull and passive. During the attack, there could be very bad depression, heavy spells of crying and bouts of deep sadness. This condition will require heavy medication as well as a lot of counseling and therapy on a long term basis. Type 2 is not as common as Type 1 but it takes a lot more patience and strength to handle it not just by the patient but also by his family and those around him.
This is a difficult disorder to handle but with the right doctor, the right diagnosis and the right treatment, it can be controlled very well indeed. The thing is to observe the symptoms and to get treatment as soon as possible, If the condition is diagnosed in the early stages, there are much better chances of controlling it and the patient leading a normal life.