bipolar affective disorder symptoms

 bipolar affective disorder symptoms

affective disorders

Mood disorders are frequent mood disorders in which the states of feeling abnormally elevated (or manic ) and / or depressed ( bzw.depressiv ) are .Depending on by what moods affective disorders are characterized , one distinguishes different forms:• Affective disorders in which only a depression or mania is only one showing a so-called unipolare Verlaufs form .• Switch from depression to mania and , it is , however, a so-called bipolar affective disorder ( manic- depressive illness also Called ) .Most (about two-thirds of cases) occur in mood disorders as unipolar depression. In the remaining cases, manic and depressive phases alternate - only few shows on mania alone . Total mood disorders are common: About 16 to 20 percent of people develop depression during their lifetime , with women being affected twice as often as men. The risk of bipolar affective disorder is running - regardless of gender - 3 percent. Most mood disorders occur only in adulthood .

The causes of mood disorders are manifold: With the emergence of an affective disorder hereditary factors as well as biological and psychological changes play a role in signal transmission in the brain. The symptoms of affective disorder usually occur on phases , the severity of the manic and / or depressive states may be different. For depression , especially following symptoms are characteristic :

• depressed mood
• of interest or pleasure
• lack of drive and strong fatigueA mania manifests itself , however, by 
• inappropriately elevated or irritable mood
• Drive growth
• accelerated thinking and overconfidenceIn addition to the affective mood disorders affect the physical and mental performance : 

For example, attention undGedächtnisleistungen be affected by depression and mania . Typically begin affective disorders as depressive episodes that last for several months and then go in symptom-free or manic phases. In unipolar depression is to be expected about four disease stages in life . Decisive for the course of affective disorders is to detect the disease early and treat it is .Regardless of whether a unipolar or bipolar affective disorder is present , zurTherapie are primarily suitable medication and psychotherapy . Addition can be used against mood disorders , for example, a light therapy or sleep deprivation as well as an employment or occupational therapy .

Affective disorders : Definition

The term mood disorders called mood disorders , by definition , the states of feeling depressed and elevated location - ie depression and mania - include .Depending on whether affective disorders associated with depression or mania or mitbeiden moods , they are divided as follows :• Is the mood disorder marked by manic or depressive emotional situation , there is a sogenannteunipolare disorder.• Go to manic and depressive phases , there is a bipolar affective disorder (formerly manic -depressive disorder) .In addition to the uni- or bipolar affective disorder severity is also differ in the extent and course of mood change. Thus, an affective episode run purely manic or depressive symptoms may also occur alternately or mixed . 

It can stay for a few episodes, but the mood disturbances may also occur frequently or almost permanently exist :depressionMood disorders are generally associated with depression. Therefore dieDepression is - a marked by great sadness and self-doubt emotional state - the more familiar form of affective disorder.


Depending on the number and severity of symptoms of depression is a major depressive episode is divided into three levels of severity ( mild, moderate , severe) . If there is a mood disorder characterized by depressive episodes several shows , there is a so-called recurrent depressive disorder. Moreover, one can still distinguish the following form:

 bipolar affective disorder symptoms

Dysthymia   

The Dysthymia is a chronic depressive mood slight degree . This mood disorder usually begins in early adulthood.maniaMood disorders often manifest themselves only by a mania - mostly to manic and depressive phases alternate . The mania is a state of intense but unfounded elation . This manifests itself in an exaggerated (often pointless ) activity , pressured speech , erratic thoughts , distractibility and unrealistic plans.A manic episode is divided according to the amount and duration of symptoms and particularly by how well the stakeholders are affected by the socio- affective disorder in three subtypes: hypomania , and mania with psychotic symptoms .hypomaniaThe hypomania is a slightly pronounced mania (Greek hypo = below ) . The life of people affected is hardly affected by this mood disorder .cyclothymiaThe Cyclothymia is a least two years of long-lasting , mild bipolar affective disorder. It usually begins in early adulthood and verläuftchronisch . The mood is almost always unstable - there will be many periods of mild depression and mild elation emotional state . The mood swings standing at the cyclothymia usually not associated with life events.

Affective disorders : prevention

If you are prone to mood disorders , you can not prevent the formation of corresponding symptoms. Because mood disorders often occur in the context of previous stressful life events , however, it is generally advisable to look into critical life support early on - either by people close to or through professional help.

However, if you have a mood disorder can help prevent a relapse : this it is advisable that you early - as soon as the acute symptoms have subsided - develop strategies to prevent the recurrence of symptoms. This is just for bipolar affective disorder (manic- depressive illness ) , treatment with drugs of central importance. However, because of the side effects many sufferers find it difficult to continue to take the medication after the acute symptoms. In addition, people who still show residual manic symptoms , often the need for further treatment not see because they do not perceive themselves as ill. A trusting relationship with the doctor , where you can also discuss such concerns may reduce the risk of relapse.To prevent recurrence of mood disorders , psychotherapy is also important : you can learn to recognize possible signs of an impending relapse and to develop appropriate coping strategies. So it is recommended for you , especially in critical life stages , for example , to avoid stress , amaintain regular sleep -wake cycle and exercise enjoyable , relaxing activities .