DSM-III R states that you have to have at least one hypomanic episode that lasts at least a week OR any length of time if needing hospitalization AND 1 clear episode of depression lasting at least a week.

That is Bipolar.

BP1 - There are episodes of Mania (the person is unable to function) that MAY be accompanied with psychotic features. BP1 usually presents with 1st episode as mania. Tend to have less severe depressions but more severe mania.

BP2 Usually hypomania (the person is able to function) and not mania or if mania, very short-lived. Tends to have more severe depressions.

BP1 is harder to treat that BP2 because many meds don't work as well for mania as they do for depression AND because they generally cannot take antidepressants without switching into mania.

Okay seeing all of this, I must be a rapid cycler--but why wasn't THAT in the book?

Thank you..
oddly I was asked last night if I was bp1 or 2... I couldnt remember
my doc giving me a number.. I remember him saying something like cyclonic..(spelling way off)
I am a rapid cycler no doubt.

See how the Lord answers our prayers.. though others sometimes. Thats nice.
thank you..you dont know how much reading you have saved me by asking this question.
you must be new.. Pluck is an amazing
person who use to be on here that helped many many with his wisdom and wit...then got booted cus he expressed some anger... and I guess its against the rules to do that...why.. I dont fuckin know.(yea, I have some issues with that..another day)
xxoo for him.
Peace

I'm BP2 with rapid cycling. BP2 tends to have more depression than hypomania and in my case, mostly mixed episodes. I also understand from my pdoc that BP2 is harder to treat. Speaking for myself, I have been diagnosed as treatment resistant, meaning the drugs are not working.

So I'm told that I have Bipolar 1.

Ok - my manias are VERY severe - but only once every two years.

My depression is just as severe and lasts the whole time I'm not manic.

So what the hell am I then? I mean I have had suicidal depression

AND

Mania that is insane - couldn't function at all.

Oh - I'm so confused.

Hi everyone! I am not bipolar but my husband is. I am just trying to understand this disorder a little more. Rigt now my husband is depressed and feels no emotions. Recently told me he doesn't feel love for me any more. Doesn't really show emotions to our children. What do I say to him? Is there triggers? He says I am not affectionate towards him, but yet I am and I get nothing back in return. Please help??

Evaloon - I think you posted under the wrong topic. But no -- Pluck was booted. Not once but twice in one day. He didn't leave. He had no choice. But he's 'not coming' back according to people who talked to him. So who knows. He's not back yet - that i know of. So time will tell.

Evaloon - Pluck did not leave because of my post. We discussed it privately and had a good laugh over it.

Does anyone have any advice?

*AVOIDS THREAD ALSO* YIKES!!

It is simple

*IN GENERAL*

Bp1 = Pronounced or severe mania which can culminate in delusions or hallucinations. Usually depression is infrequent in duration but may be severe.

BP2= longer and more frequent episodes of depression and little or no frequency of mania. May have long durations of hypomania.

As said before. BP 1 is only harder to treat because it is harder to treat mania with medication.
Add in the fact that people can become addicted to their mania.

all this info is great but I stil can't see myself in one or another and my docter kinda just left it up to me to fiuger out..I think its cuz I dont see a p-doc normal basic and don't really need to much.. still nice to know I mean easyer to show people I am 2 or 1 then try to explan in ur onw word they can just look the damn thing up

To igrl7fl:

Your husband is going through the numbing phase of depression. Help him understand that this is a "phase" and that it will not last forever. Depression so bad that one has to numb oneself just to survive. So, he cannot feel the affection from you and he cannot risk feeling his own feelings, so doesn't show them or even feel them. Defense against depression.

'I not only use all the brains I have, but all that I can borrow.'-Wilson

Thank you again!!!
God bless!!!!
Peace