Conditions That Can Land You In The Psych Ward

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness in which an individual's mood cycles between extreme depression and mania. Mania is categorized as a happy and energized feeling, while feelings of sadness and hopelessness characterize depression. There are four types of bipolar disorder classifications: Bipolar I is when the mania cycle lasts seven days or more followed by depression for two weeks. Bipolar II is numerous circulations between hypomania and depression. Cyclothymic is periods of hypomania and depression that lasts for at least two years, but symptoms don't meet requirements for hypomania and depression. Unspecified bipolar disorder is when symptoms do not fit within the other three diagnostic categories as mentioned above.

Common symptoms are feelings of elation, increased activity levels, trouble sleeping, delusions of grandeur and engaging in risky behavior during the manic cycle. Patients can then experience an episode of feeling down, having very little energy, feeling worried and anxious, and thinking about death and suicide during the depression cycle. Treatment varies, but those with bipolar disorder will need to seek inpatient care at the manic and depressive levels depending on the severity of their symptoms.