What is Bipolar Disorder?

Dr-Elze.de Dr. Elze

Bipolar Disorder or Manic-Depressive Illness (MDI) is a type of mood disorder also known as Bipolar Affective Disorder. In bipolar affective disorder the mood and activity-level of those involved switches significantly for the duration of the so-called hypomanic or manic epsiodes and episodes of depression.

Read more: Bipolar Affective Disorder - Sientific Information

Mania

Mania is defined as a syndrome in which the mood of those affected is excessively elevated and fluctuates between carefree joy and almost uncontrollable excitement.

Read more: What is Mania?

Hypomania

Hypomania is defined as a disorder characterized by a persistently slightly elevated mood, increased drive and increased activity, increased sociability, talkativeness, over-familiarity, increased libido and a decreased need for sleep.

Read more: What is Hypomania?

Bipolar I Disorder / Bipolar II Disorder

According to the severity of manic or hypomanic symptoms the bipolar affective disorders are subdivided into bipolar I disorders and bipolar II disorders.

Read more: What are Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders?

Bipolar Disorder: Treatment

Most often bipolar disorder is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and mood stabilizing medication.

Read more: How is Bipolar Disorder treated?

Dr. Sandra Elze & Dr. Michael Elze