Bipolar Disorder

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.Self-HermThe following page includes discussions of self-harm and suicide. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Bipolar Disorder**, formerly called **Manic Depression**, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

## Signs & Symptoms

### Mania and Hypomania

Mania and hypnomania are two distinct types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more noticeable problems at work, school and social activities, as well as relationship difficulties. Mania may also trigger a break from reality and require hospitalization.

Both a manic and hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms:

* Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired.
* Increased activity, energy or agitation.
* Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence.
* Decreased need for sleep.
* Unusual talkativeness.
* Racing thoughts.
* Distractability.
* Poor decision making, such as going on a buying spree, taking sexual risks or making foolish investments.

### Depression

A major depressive episode includes symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable difficulty in day-to-day activities. An episode includes five or more of these symptoms.

* Depressed mood.
* Marked loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in all, or almost all, activities.
* Significant weigh loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite.
* Either insomnia or sleeping too much.
* Either restlessness or slowed behavior.
* Fatigue or loss of energy.
* Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt.
* Decreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness.
* Thinking about, planning or attempting suicide.

## Causes

There is not a single cause of bipolar disorder. Currently, it is believed that several factors may contribute, including genetics, stress and brain structure and function.

## Types of Bipolar

Individuals are diagnosed with three basic types of bipolar disorder that involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from manic episodes to depressive episodes.

### Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least seven days or when manic symptoms are so severe that hospital care is needed. Usually, separate depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting two weeks. Episodes of mood disturbances with mixed features are also possible. The experience of four or more episodes of mania or depression within a year is termed "rapid cycling".

### Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II Disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but never full manic episodes.

### Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic Disorder is defined by recurrent hypomania and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.

### Other Specified Bipolar and Related Disorder

Other Specified Bipolar and Related Disorder is a type of bipolar disorder diagnosed when one has symptoms of bipolar disorder, but they don't fit into other bipolar categories.

### Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorder

Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorder is used when a doctor doesn't have enough information to make a specific diagnosis.

## Known Individuals with Bipolar Disorder

### Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin spoke in his books *Magnificent Desolation* and *Return to Earth* about his experience with bipolar disorder and alcoholism during the years after his retirement. He would eventually become the national chairman of the National Association for Mental Health.

### Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher, known best for playing Princess Leia in *Star Wars*, spoke openly about having bipolar disorder throughout her life. She proposed the idea for a "Bipolar Pride Day." She said that she was first given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at 25 years old, but did not accept it until five years later.

### Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra described himself as "an 18-carat manic depressive." But he was never actually diagnosed with bipolar disorder; however, many believe he would've been.

### Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix wrote a song called *Manic Depression*, which described his trouble with mood swings and supposedly wrote it after being accused of manic depressive behavior in interviews. Despite this, he was never diagnosed with bipolar disorder, though many believe he would've been.

### Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister during World War II, often referred to his depression as his "black dog." Lord Moran, Churchill's doctor, wrote about diagnosing Winston Churchill with bipolar disorder in his memoir *Winston Churchill: The Struggle for Survival*.

### Ye

Kanye West, now known as simple Ye, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being hospitalized. He famously referred to bipolar disorder as his "superpower" and described feelings of paranoia and delusions.

## References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955#:~:text=Bipolar%20disorder%2C%20formerly%20called%20manic,or%20pleasure%20in%20most%20activities

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder

https://www.verywellmind.com/are-there-different-types-of-bipolar-disorder-5194673

https://www.pacerecoverycenter.com/mental-illness-alcoholism-buzz-aldrin/

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/health/carrie-fisher-bipolar-disorder.html

https://www.bphope.com/demi-lovato-stronger-than-ever/

https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/598298/Frank-Sinatra-enemy-suicide-attempts-love-affair

http://www.famousbipolarpeople.com/jimi-hendrix.html

https://www.self.com/story/mariah-carey-diagnosed-with-bipolar-disorder

https://ibpf.org/winston-churchill-and-mental-illness/

https://www.thecut.com/2022/02/kanye-west-bipolar-disorder.html