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Bipolar disorder affects every race and sex in today’s society. The illness is believed to be hereditary in most cases. In this essay, one will learn of the illness, the four main types of the illness, treatments in which are available, and how to deal with loved ones who may suffer from the disease. There are many people in this world who suffer from Bipolar Disorder and do not know what is wrong with them, without the proper treatment and knowledge; society will never accept the illness.
There are four main types of bipolar disorder. The first type is Bipolar I Disorder which includes mania and depression. Bipolar I Disorder is known as the most severe type of bipolar disorder. It is normal for a person with bipolar I disorder to have recurring cycles of mania and depression. This is the most severe type of the illness.
The second type of the illness is Bipolar II Disorder. This type is different because there are no manic episodes, rather there are hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. Those who suffer from hypomania may feel euphoric, energetic, and productive, but the symptoms are milder than those of mania. Unfortunately, hypomania may escalade to full-blown mania or may be followed by a severe depressive episode.
This brings us to the third type of bipolar disorder, which is Cyclothymia. This is a much milder form of bipolar disorder, which includes hypomania and mild depression. In order to receive a proper diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder, one must have experienced multiple periods of hypomania and mild depression over at least two years. Because cyclothymic disorder may turn into full blown bipolar disorder, it should be monitored frequently and treated by a doctor.
The forth main type of bipolar disorder is bipolar disorder not otherwise specified. One will be diagnosed with this, when he or she does not fit into any of the other types of bipolar disorder. However, there is...