Posted by Brenda on March 4, 2000, at 17:12:54
In reply to re:bipolar, posted by marie on March 4, 2000, at 16:35:19
> This may sound stupid but I was wondering . what is the difference between bipolarI and bipolarII?
Marie - basically it's in the severity. BPI is also known as Manic Depression. With extreme mood swings. Severe depression and then "maniacal" highs. The highs are characterized by less need for sleep, functioning on less sleep, unhealthy/detrimental spending, sex, etc. A feeling of euphoria.
BPII is much the same only the highs are characterized by "hypmonia" as opposed to full on mania. The hypomania can and is usually manifest by depression on one pole and irritation/agitation on the manic pole. It's like a need to do more - feeling extreme pressure to get more done, etc., to an healthy limit. Also another difference is in the length of the cycles of depression and high/agitation. There is also a Bipolar III with is Cyclothymia, characterized by rapid changes in mood.
poster:Brenda
thread:25976
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/25990.html