Bipolar DisorderCritical ThinkingMay 29, 2014Bipolar DisorderBipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive disorder/illness, can be defined in many ways. One definition is a mood disorder in which a person swings back and forth between wild euphoria and frenetic bursts of energy (the manic phase) to a depression so deep, dark, and overwhelming that a person may contemplate or attempt suicide . (Hirshkowitz & Smith, 2004, p. 107) This disease/disorder appears to affect both men and women in more or less equal numbers and can get increasingly worse if left undiagnosed or even untreated. Types of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder can be divided into four basic types. Bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BP-NOS), and cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia. Bipolar I disorder, defined by manic or mixed episodes that can last up to seven days or by manic symptoms so severe that they require immediate hospital treatment. Depressive episodes also usually occur and typically last at least two weeks. (“NIMH • Bipolar Disorder,” n.d., p. 4) Bipolar II disorder is a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not full-blown manic or mixed episodes. (“NIMH • Bipolar Disorder,” n.d., p. 4) Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BP-NOS) is diagnosed when symptoms of the illness exist but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for either bipolar I or bipolar II. However, the symptoms are clearly outside the person's normal range of behavior. (“NIMH • Bipolar Disorder,” n.d., p. 4) The last type of bipolar disorder is cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia, which is a mild form of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymia have episodes of hypomania and mild depression... half of the document... and a stable life. References Bipolar Disorder Help Guide - Helpguide.org. (n.d.). Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://www.helpguide.org/topics/bipolar.htmCarlson, N. R. (2005). Fundamentals of physiological psychology. Boston: Pearson A and B. Hirshkowitz, M., & Smith, P. B. (2004). Sleep disorders for dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub. Mayo Clinic Staff (n.d.). Bipolar Disorder Prevention - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/basics/prevention/con-20027544NIMH • Bipolar disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved May 29, 2014, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtmlWomble, D. M. (2005). Introductory Mental Health Nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.