Bipolar disorder definitionDo you have a sharp, simple bipolar disorder definition? In general, bipolar disorder definitions concentrate on the three distinct features of the illness:
2. Mood swings 3. The episodic nature of what was, after all, traditionally known as "manic-depressive illness". For example: Princeton University: "A mental disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression." Wiktionary: "A psychiatric diagnostic category, previously called manic depression, characterized by mood swings between great energy (manic) and clinical depression." Pfizer (bipolar medication manufacturer): "Formerly referred to as manic depression, bipolar is a serious affective disorder, typically beginning in adolescence or early adulthood, in which dramatic swings between manic “highs” and depressed “lows” alternate with periods of normal mood." Stanford University: "[A] disorder characterized by alternating periods of extreme moods. For example, a period of mania may be characterized by excessive energy, restlessness and/or irritability This period of mania may be followed by a period of depression characterized by feelings of hopelessness and a lack of energy."
For the best overall explanation of bipolar disorder in plain English, see: Definition of Bipolar Disorder What is bipolar disorder?Does a bipolar disorder definition require more than just a list of bipolar symptoms? See What is bipolar disorder?Just PLEASE DO NOT lose sight of real English. In October 2010, celebrity Miley Cyrus was mocked in the media for a statement she made about her acting interests: "I’m kind of bipolar in my acting choices because I just want to do a little bit of everything. . . One day . . .I want to do an action movie and then I want to be doing comedy and then all different types of things." Journalist ridiculed the 17 year old Miley with comments such as: "Uh do you know what bipolar is?" As a matter of fact, YES SHE DOES! The young star gets the last laugh. As well as her performing talents, it turns out that Miley Cyrus has a better command of language than some journalists. Manic depressive illness was renamed "bipolar disorder" relatively recently. The term was chosen because "bipolar" has a long established meaning that lies well outside of the language of mental health. For example:
"Two opposing opinions, values, natures, etc." "Two mutually repellent forces or diametrically opposed extremities." (In electronics, for example a transistor:)"Utilizing the electrical characteristics of combining both a negative and a positive charge." Ms Cyrus was using the term "bipolar" quite correctly in lay terms. She was not suggesting she fits into any bipolar disorder definition in the psychiatric sense. So what is bipolar disorder in a technical sense, using a bipolar definition from the discipline of psychiatry? The American Psychiatric Association (AMA)uses diagnostic criteria set out in their "bible" - an authoritative manual known as the DSM-IV. The AMA recognize several variations of the illness, and define the "classic" Bipolar I: "The essential feature of Bipolar I Disorder is a clinical course that is characterized by the occurrence of one or more Manic Episodes or Mixed Episodes. Often individuals have also had one or more Major Depressive Episodes. Episodes of Substance-Induced Mood Disorder (due to the direct effects of a medication, or other somatic treatments for depression, a drug of abuse, or toxin exposure) or of Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition do not count toward a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. In addition, the episodes are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and are not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified." It is important to understand that this definition uses technical terms that also have a very specific clinical meaning. For example "manic" forms a crucial part of this official bipolar disorder definition, and in itself has a distinct medical meaning: See how definitions have changed throughout the discovery of bipolar disorder
B) During the period of mood disturbance, three (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted (four if the mood is only irritable) and have been present to a significant degree:1) inflated self-esteem or grandiosity2) decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)3) more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking4) flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing5) distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli)6) increase in goal-directed activity (at work, at school, or sexually) or psycho-motor agitation7) excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments) C) The symptoms do not meet criteria for a Mixed Episode D) The mood disturbance is sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in occupational functioning or in usual social activities or relationships with others, or to necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or there are psychotic features." This lists well established bipolar symptoms, but does this definition of bipolar tell us much of what the actual experience is? This is the challenge of ever pinning down a complete bipolar disorder definition.
Learn more about the DSM-IV Bipolar Definition
Best bipolar definition?What definition of bipolar would YOU use?Is there a bipolar definition that communicates the reality of the illness while maintaining the dignity of the person?
1. An empowering bipolar definition that clearly explains what the disorder is, and 2. is easily and completely understood BUT IS ALSO: 3. descriptive without being demeaning In short, a definition that explains bipolar disorder honestly and fully, without eroding your self-respect, or the respect of others? Why go through this exercise? So that YOU can define bipolar disorder, instead of "bipolar" defining YOU!
Return from Bipolar Disorder Definition to Bipolar Symptoms
|
