The distinguishing characteristic of Bipolar Disorder, as compared to other mood disorders, is the presence of at least one manic episode. Additionally, it is presumed to be a chronic condition because the vast majority of individuals who have one manic episode have additional episodes in the future. The statistics suggest that four episodes in ten years is an average, without preventative treatment. Every individual with bipolar disorder has a unique pattern of mood cycles, combining depression and manic episodes, that is specific to that individual but predictable once the pattern is identified. Research studies suggest a strong genetic influence in bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as a psychological problem, because it is episodic. Consequently, those who have it may suffer needlessly for years without treatment.

Depression, even in the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is, and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented.

The first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor. Certain medications, and some medical conditions such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A doctor can rule out these possibilities by conducting an interview and lab tests. A psychiatrist will complete a full evaluation to determine if he or she suffers from depression.

Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated with a number of methods. The most common treatments are a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Unipolar Disorder also known as” Major Depressive Disorder,” is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness. One who suffers from unipolar disorders has a lack of interest in everyday life, finding joy in nothing. People suffering from unipolar illness focus on the “lows,” or constant negative emotions.

Fortunately, unipolar disorders are easily treated with both therapy and medication. At Kryskay Psychiatry, our highly trained staff are ready to help you with any unipolar disorders you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, Psychotic Depression, Postpartum Depression, Melancholic Depression, and Catatonic Depression.

A manic episode is an abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, not related to substance abuse or a medical condition, that lasts for at least a week, and includes a number of disturbances in behavior and thinking that result in significant life adjustment problems. Chronic behavior that appears somewhat similar to manic behavior is more likely ADHD or evidence of a personality problem.

It may be helpful to think of the various mood states in manic-depressive illness as a spectrum or continuous range. At one end is severe depression, which shades into moderate depression; then come mild and brief mood disturbances that many people call “the blues,” then normal mood, then hypomania (a mild form of mania), and then mania.

Some people with untreated bipolar disorder have repeated depression and only an occasional episode of hypomania (bipolar II). On the other extreme, mania may be the main problem and depression may occur only infrequently. In fact, symptoms of mania and depression may be mixed together in a single “mixed” bipolar state.

• Extreme irritability & distractibility
• Excessive “high” or euphoric feelings
• Sustained periods of unusual, even bizarre, behavior with significant risk-taking
• Increased energy, activity, rapid talking & thinking, agitation
• Decreased sleep
• Unrealistic belief in one’s own abilities
• Poor judgment
• Increased sex drive
• Substance abuse
• Provocative or obnoxious behavior
• Denial of problem