
What is the difference between bipolar 1 vs 2?
- The main difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 is the intensity of manic episodes.
- Those with bipolar 1 experience more severe mania, whereas people with bipolar 2 may have less intense manic symptoms, and more depressive episodes.
- However, bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum, so it's possible your symptoms don't fit with either type 1 or 2.
What is the cause of bipolar 1?
Scientists don’t know what causes bipolar disorder. Abnormal physical characteristics of the brain or an imbalance in certain brain chemicals may be among the main causes. As with many medical conditions, bipolar disorder tends to run in families. If you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, your risk of developing it is higher.
How to tell if someone is bipolar?
- Racing thoughts, rapid speech
- Easily distracted, can’t concentrate well
- Exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
- An inflated perspective about abilities and qualities
- Impulsive and reckless behavior
- Poor decision making, rash business decisions
- Shopping sprees, excessive money-spending
- Irresponsible driving choices
- Sexual promiscuity
What is the best medication for bipolar 1?
- Mood stabilizers.
- Antipsychotics.
- Antidepressants.

What is the difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2?
Bipolar I disorder involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression. Bipolar II disorder is a milder form of mood elevation, involving milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression.
How does a person with bipolar 1 act?
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.
How is bipolar 1 diagnosed?
To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends blood testing to determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, is causing your symptoms. If the doctor does not find an underlying cause of your symptoms, he or she performs a psychological evaluation.
Is bipolar type 1 Serious?
People with bipolar I disorder experience full episodes of mania -- the often severe abnormally elevated mood and behavior described above. These manic symptoms can lead to serious disruptions in life (for example, spending the family fortune, or having an unintended pregnancy).
What triggers bipolar?
Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event. Drug or alcohol abuse.
Is bipolar 1 a disability?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that helps people with disabilities get equal rights at work. Bipolar disorder is considered a disability under the ADA, just like blindness or multiple sclerosis. You may also qualify for Social Security benefits if you can't work.
Does bipolar 1 get worse with age?
Untreated Bipolar Disorder Bipolar may worsen with age or over time if this condition is left untreated. As time goes on, a person may experience episodes that are more severe and more frequent than when symptoms first appeared.
What is the best medication for bipolar 1?
You'll typically need mood-stabilizing medication to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).
Are you born with bipolar?
Bipolar disorder is frequently inherited, with genetic factors accounting for approximately 80% of the cause of the condition. Bipolar disorder is the most likely psychiatric disorder to be passed down from family. If one parent has bipolar disorder, there's a 10% chance that their child will develop the illness.
What are 5 signs of bipolar disorder?
Symptoms - Bipolar disorderfeeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time.lacking energy.difficulty concentrating and remembering things.loss of interest in everyday activities.feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.feelings of guilt and despair.feeling pessimistic about everything.self-doubt.More items...
Is Bipolar 1 or 2 worse?
Both Types Should Be Properly Treated Since hypomania that occurs in bipolar II is less severe than the mania that occurs in bipolar I disorder, bipolar II is often described as "milder" than bipolar I—but this is not completely accurate.
What is a bipolar person like?
People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression and episodes of mania – overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal. No two people have exactly the same experience.
What are symptoms of bipolar 1 disorder?
Signs and SymptomsPeople having a manic episode may:People having a depressive episode may:Feel very “up,” “high,” elated, or irritable or touchyFeel very sad, “down,” empty, worried, or hopelessFeel “jumpy” or “wired”Feel slowed down or restless7 more rows
What is a bipolar person like?
People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression and episodes of mania – overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal. No two people have exactly the same experience.
What is bipolar with psychotic features?
Some people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder will experience episodes of psychosis during mania or depression. These episodes cause hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and a lack of awareness of reality.
Is bipolar 1 or 2 worse?
Both Types Should Be Properly Treated Since hypomania that occurs in bipolar II is less severe than the mania that occurs in bipolar I disorder, bipolar II is often described as "milder" than bipolar I—but this is not completely accurate.