Bipolar Spectrum Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive illness, causing unusual mood swings and energy levels that can hamper daily life. Bipolar spectrum disorder refers to an entire range of disorder levels. It can be defined as a single, mild episode or multiple severe clinical mood swings. These mood shift episodes are usually separated by periods of normal behavior, however in some cases, depression and manic illness may alternate frequently. This rapid mood shifts is known as rapid cycling. Bipolar disorder exhibits itself during late teens or early adult years. Most diagnosed cases have a history of starting before the age of 25.

Symptoms of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder

Bipolar spectrum disorder symptoms include mania or a manic episode and depression or a depressive episode, for both mood and behavioral changes which an individual can feel. The symptoms are as listed below:

Mood Changes

• Long periods of feeling extremely high and happy
• Nagging feeling of emptiness and constant worry
• Irritable mood swings, like agitation or uneasiness
• Loss of interest in activities

Behavioral Changes

• Being easily distracted, while concentrating and making decisions
• Prone to restlessness
• Changes in sleeping, eating, etc. patterns
• Talking very fast, in a very excited manner
• Feeling exhausted after doing little work

Types of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder

Bipolar spectrum disorder is categorized by severity and frequency of mood swing episodes experienced by patients. This disorder lasts for an entire lifetime, occurring mostly as distanced or frequent depressive episodes. Bipolar spectrum disorder is diagnosed based on the guidelines issued by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). According to them, bipolar spectrum disorder are of the following four types.

Bipolar I Disorder: This mood disorder is a combination of at least one manic or mixed episode within the last two continuous weeks, or episodes of hypomania or major depression that needs immediate hospital care. It is considered as the classical concept of manic-depressive illness.

Bipolar II Disorder: Bipolar II disorder is characterized by at least one hypomanic episode, which occurs more frequently and with more intensity than manic episodes, and at least one major depressive episode. Bipolar II is more difficult to diagnose, as hypomanic behavior often presents itself as a period of high productivity.

Cyclothymic Disorder or Cyclothymia: This mood disorder is a milder form of bipolar II disorder, and is defined by the presence of hypomanic episodes with periods of recurring mood disturbances between hypomania and dysthymia (mood disorder of depression) for at least minimum two years. The mood swings are not very severe, but tend to interfere with daily functions.

Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS): Bipolar NOS, also known as sub-threshold bipolar disorder, is diagnosed when an individual is suffering from both bipolar spectrum symptoms: manic and depressive symptoms, but still does not meet the exact criteria for either one of the above-mentioned subtypes.

Bipolar spectrum disorder has no known cure, and is a lifelong and recurrent illness. Once diagnosed by a medical practitioner, treatment in the form of a combination of medications and therapies is started. Medications include antidepressant, mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotic and sleep medications. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, psychoeducation and family-focused therapy may be prescribed to help the affected person lead a better life by managing the bipolar spectrum disorder.