Show Mood Disorders CenterOur team of subspecialists offer hope to patients with mood disorders through innovative treatments and compassionate care. We know that diagnosing mood disorders early is crucial to managing your condition and offering you the best quality of life. At UC Health, we focus on identifying predictors of mood disorders, as well as studying new interventions backed by leading research to bring you the best possible care. To schedule an appointment, please call the UC Health Mood Disorders team at 513-558-MOOD (6663). What is bipolar disorder?Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. It causes you to have cycles of extreme mood changes that go beyond normal ups and downs. You will have periods of feeling joyful, energized, and excited (called mania). These are followed by periods of feeling sad and depressed. For this reason, it’s also called manic depression. Depression affects your body, mood, and thoughts. It also affects how you eat and sleep, think about things, and feel about yourself. It’s not the same as being unhappy or in a blue mood. It’s not a sign of weakness or a condition that can be willed away. Treatment is often needed and is key to recovery. Bipolar disorder affects equal numbers of men and women. But women tend to have more symptoms of depression than of mania. This disorder often starts in the teens or early adulthood. What causes bipolar disorder?Experts don't know what causes bipolar disorder. They agree that many factors seem to play a role. This includes environmental, mental health, and genetic factors. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. Researchers are still trying to find genes that may be linked to it. What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?Symptoms may occur a bit differently in each person. The following are the most common symptoms: Depressive symptoms may include:
Manic symptoms may include:
Cultural background influences how people understand and react to the symptoms and diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It’s important to remember this when interacting with people and families who are managing this serious mental illness. How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?To diagnose bipolar, your healthcare provider will ask about your health history, your symptom history, and your current symptoms. You may have both depressive and manic symptoms to a varying degree. A diagnosis is made after a careful mental health exam by an experienced mental health provider. The symptoms of bipolar disorder may look like other mental health conditions. Always see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is bipolar disorder treated?There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but treatment works well for many people. Treatment may include one or a combination of the following:
In most cases, you will need consistent, long-term treatment to stabilize the mood swings. Life charts can be very helpful to manage the condition. In a life chart, you record daily mood, symptoms, treatments, sleep patterns, and life events. You can share this life chart information with your doctor. This can help your doctor see patterns and figure out the best treatment. Self careYou can also take steps to help yourself. During periods of depression, consider the following:
At UC Health, we lead the region in scientific discoveries and embrace a spirit of purpose – offering our patients and their families something beyond everyday healthcare. At UC Health, we offer hope. Which disorder is characterized by periods of depression and mania?Bipolar disorder — also called manic depression or bipolar affective disorder, depression that includes alternating times of depression and mania.
What type of bipolar disorder is associated with mild mania and depressive episodes?Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder involving many "mood swings," with hypomania and depressive symptoms that occur frequently. People with cyclothymia experience emotional ups and downs but with less severe symptoms than bipolar I or II disorder.
Which characteristics is common to both depressed and manic patients?Mood congruent delusions may be present in either the depressed or manic phase (e.g. delusions of guilt during depressed phases or grandiose delusions of power and wealth during manic phases). A manic patient can also have mood-incongruent delusions.
Is manicHere are a few key differences between the two conditions. A person with manic depression will be more expressive with his or her feelings, while a person with schizophrenia will be unable to show emotion, lack facial expressions, and speak with a flat tone.
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