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Bipolar 1 Explained

Victoria Trix | Aug 26, 2011 |

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If you've heard about bipolar disorder, you may or may not know that there is actually such a thing as bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Now, these are like autism and Asperger—they're similar, and on the same spectrum, but there is a difference between the two and there are even more psychosis that fall onto that spectrum as well!

Bipolar 1 - What Precisely Is It?

To sum up all different forms of bipolar disorder, you have to understand that they are characterized by either severe depression or mania. Sometimes the mania isn't all that severe, in which it's considered hypomania. However, that's more common in bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 is the type of bipolar disorder which usually requires hospitalization for the severe symptoms that accompany it. Bipolar suicide is much more common with this type of bipolar disorder and it also has a nasty effect called mixed phases, in which the person suffering from this psychosis has phases that combine depression and mania episodes. They will be irritated, have severe paranoia, may have racing thoughts, thoughts of suicide, and talk extremely loud and extremely fast at the same time.

How Is Bipolar 1 Treated Compared To Other Disorders?

The treatment for bipolar 1 starts with psychotherapy. To treat this particular type of psychosis, it is rare that depression medications are used, since they might incite a mania episode. If an episode is created, then it might cause all of the above problems that were mentioned associated with mania, or even mixed episodes. Needless to say, that's why other medications are used. These include anti-convulsive medications. These are used since there is research that indicates that both seizures and bipolar disorder are caused by the short firing or neurons in the brain. Electroconvulsive therapy is another option, especially in those that are pregnant or severely allergic to the medications.

What Is Life Like For Those With Bipolar 1?

Bipolar 1 is, untreated, a debilitating illness and does make it hard to function normally. It can destroy normal relationships and seems as if the person is just having a temper tantrum—not in need of help thanks to a psychosis. However, this is only if it's not diagnosed. Once this is diagnosed, whether it be at a psychiatric clinic or psychiatric hospital or at your doctor's, the family needs to take steps to make sure that they can all get through whatever might come their way as a consequence of the disorder. With a set routine and a little bit of emotional help and understanding when needed, it's not hard to live with someone with bipolar disorder. Even dating someone with bipolar disorder isn't hard when they get the help that they need!

What Do I Do If I Or Someone I Know Might Have It?

The best thing to do if you suspect yourself or someone else of having any form of psychosis is to talk to your doctor. They won't ship you off to a psychiatric hospital, unless you're a danger to yourself or others. Most of the time, this isn't necessary, however. They will either diagnose you themselves or they will refer you to someone who knows a little bit more about what's going on. Bipolar 1 can be treated—that's the most important thing to remember. When it comes to bipolar 1, there is an answer and there IS a way to treat it!