Get Informed

If the thought of trying to keep all of the definitions associated with a bipolar spectrum disorder are almost enough to trigger a manic episode than you are definitely not alone, and it can get even more confusing when you are trying to decide if it is even a clinical diagnosis or simply the current fad at the moment. One of the easiest ways to explain this form of a bipolar disorder or "soft depression" is to visualize your moods and the severity on a graph and see if your emotions fall in at the beginning, middle, or end. If you are like many other fellow suffers of a bipolar disorder you are probably even more confused, and the information included in this article can help explain the bipolar spectrum and what it means for your diagnosis and illness. If you are still confused and feel like you haven't gotten the answers you need speaking to your health care provider can help clear up any misconceptions.

It should be mentioned that type 1 bipolar disorders are the most extreme and are commonly categorized by manic episodes followed by deep depression, and even erratic behaviors can also be exhibited. In this article you will find a comprehensive explanation for the signs and symptoms associated with a type 1 bipolar disorders, along with explanations detailing the differences in treatments for the separate conditions and how it can affect your life and those around you. If you feel that you might be suffering from a bipolar disorder there are helpful links included in the article that can get you started on a screening that can help you narrower down your condition. As always it is impossible for you to diagnose yourself, and if your do test positive on the screening it is important to speak immediately with your health care adviser for a second opinion to ensure you start the right treatment plan.

One of the reasons that it can be so difficult to find a treatment that works for all of your bipolar symptoms is the simple fact that there are two types of this disorder and manic episodes and periods of depression can vary dramatically between them. The most common form is a type 2 disorder which is also referred to as "soft bipolar", though people that suffer from the less manic symptoms may not agree with this term. In this article you will find all of the information you need to distinguish between the different types of bipolar disorders, and it will also explain the need and importance of taking a test administered by a health care professional. Since the treatments can vary slightly for type 1 and type 2 it is important the you receive the right diagnosis to ensure that the therapy and medications are what you need to prevent and lessen your symptoms.

Some people may find the term "soft bipolar" offensive and inaccurate when it is used to describe their bipolar symptoms even though it is simply used to help differentiate between type 2 and 1 bipolar disorders. Used to describe a type 2 bipolar disorder the term simply refers to the feelings of depression that are not characterized by a manic episode commonly experienced by someone who is suffering from a type one disorder. In this article you will finally be able to start to understand the differences between type one and two bipolar disorders and the included lists will give you some added help in trying to decide which condition affects you. While it should be noted that it is difficult to diagnose the type of bipolar disorder you are suffering from and that it is imperative that you seek a second opinion from a health care professional there is nothing wrong with wanting to understand your illness.

While type 1 and type 2 bipolar disorders have been discussed, along with the mood spectrum and the effects it can have on your life and relationships, this actually does not cover all of the possible mental health conditions that can include periods of mania and depression. Researchers are now considering adding a third type to the list of possible diagnosis', and the confusion that can result when you are trying to decide which type you have can actually trigger a manic episode. In this article you will find the information you need to help narrower down your possible bipolar condition, along with concise definitions and explanations that are easy to understand without a medical degree. It is important to remember to never try and self diagnosis, and to always see a licensed health care professional for a second opinion and to help you work out a successful treatment plan.