May's Monthly Topic: Bipolar2

Author Disclaimer I am in no a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis, and encourage my audience to please seek the professional advice of their own trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION, and ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION. Jessica Niziolek, Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community Subject: May’s Monthly Topic: Bipolar-Type 2 Resources used: https://www.verywellhealth.com/ What Is Bipolar 2? Bipolar 2 is a mental health illness as well as a brain disorder. There are two types of this disorder, bipolar 1, and bipolar 2. Each show different characteristics. Today we will be focusing on bipolar 2. It also important to not that this disorder can easily be miss diagnosed because it can present it self like any other mental disorder. Such as: depression, anxiety, OCD, and so on that’s why it is very important to understand the symptoms of bipolar 2 to get an accurate diagnosis so that your doctor can find the proper treatment for that will best manage the symptoms. Symptoms of Bipolar 2 that fit the criteria for a proper diagnosis Depression is often one of the first symptoms the person experiences. They can experience up to five or more symptoms within a two week period. Loss in interests, or things that once brought them pleasure. Changes in their weight/losing/gaining Daily changes in appetite Slow thoughts and physical movement noticed by others Fatigue almost everyday Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt nearly every day Lowered ability to concentrate or indecisiveness nearly every day Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide or a planned or attempted suicide What is Hypomania? Hypomania is the second main symptom to help diagnosis someone with bipolar2. Hypomania is a period of time where the person(s) experiences feeling of elation, high levels of excitement, high energy, and high levels of self-esteem. They will also experience excessive talking, racing thoughts, and distractibility. Unlike bipolar1, with bipolar2 the person does not experience full mania. Which simply means the fluctuations are not as severe as they are with someone who has bipolar1 this may also mean that it may not hinder a person’s ability to fully function… What Is Considered As Being in a State of Mania? For someone to be diagnosed with hypomania the person must experience this mood for a day or for more than four consecutive days, it must also be present most of the day. As well as be severe enough to require the person to be hospitalized, or be experiencing psychotic features. People with bipolar often experience frequent depressive moods throughout their illness as well. What Age Is Someone Diagnosed? The average to be diagnosed with bipolar is 22 years of age, but some people do experience symptoms in their teen years. Who Is At Risk For Bipolar2? Bipolar Disorder is highly genetic. Anyone with a first-degree biological family member is at high-risk for developing the disorder…As well if there is a family history, this is also an indicator for someone else having the disorder. Who Should Be Screened For The Disorder? People who find no relief with anti-depressives should be screened for bipolar. Or experience mood symptoms that have worsened. People who have experienced frequent depression, that is interrupted by periods of feelings “better than good.” Teenagers between the ages of 13-18 who experience frequent episodes of depression. Bipolar is highly hereditary and has genetic contributors. About 60-80% are at risk. How Do You Diagnosis This Condition? This condition is generally diagnosed by psychiatrists, medical doctors, and licensed mental health professional. The person(s) will usually be asked a series of questions about their symptoms. They typically use one of two screening tools-Mood Disorder Questionnaire, or the Hypomania System Checklist These Tools are only to help the medical professional to screen for the condition and NOT TO diagnosis the person(s) with the condition. The proper diagnosis of this condition is extremely important. Because it will then help the doctor(s) Come up with the proper treatment plan for their patient. As well as treating said person(s) in safe manner during this life-long treatment process. The following is a short list of medication that the person(s) may be prescribed during the treatment process. Lithium Depakote (valproate) Tegretol (carbamazepine) Lamictal (lamotrigine) The Person may also be prescribed anti-psychotics by their doctor or psychiatrist. Where they will then discuss possible side effects, and answer any questions their patient may have and so on. - It is important to note that. That the effectiveness of how how well as medication works depends on number of factors.