Bipolar was once classified as Manic-Depressive Disorder. It’s categorized by extreme mood swings and feelings of euphoria. People that are bipolar are often full of energy during periods of mania. They may feel that they are superhuman and can-do things that the average person cannot. During periods of depression, they may feel hopeless and like they have nothing to live for. Though cycles can be a couple of times a year, some are rapid cyclers. These people switch from periods of depression to euphoria many times in a day.
Bipolar is diagnosed in late teenage years or early adulthood. It is classified into three categories: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, and Cyclothymic Disorder. In bipolar I, mood issues can be disruptive in life. The manic episodes with this illness are severe, and they can be dangerous. In bipolar II, a person can function with little issues. They still have mania, but it is not as severe as those episodes with bipolar I. Consequently, the depression with hypomania last longer in bipolar II than it does in bipolar I.
