- Manic - Depressive Illness
- Historically, “manic - depressive illness” was the commonly used term before “bipolar disorder” became the preferred diagnostic label. Both terms refer to the same mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings.
- The term “manic - depressive illness” directly describes the two main phases of the disorder. The “manic” phase involves elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and often impulsive and risky behavior. For example, a person in a manic episode may suddenly decide to go on a shopping spree, buying expensive items they don't need.
- The “depressive” phase, on the other hand, is marked by low mood, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and in severe cases, thoughts of suicide. For instance, someone in a depressive episode may stay in bed all day, not wanting to interact with friends or family.
- Although “manic - depressive illness” and “bipolar disorder” refer to the same condition, the term “bipolar disorder” has been adopted to reduce the stigma associated with the older term. The word “bipolar” simply refers to the two poles of mood (manic and depressive), which is a more neutral and scientific way of describing the disorder.
- Bipolar Affective Disorder
- “Bipolar Affective Disorder” is another synonym for “bipolar disorder.” The term “affective” in this context refers to emotions or mood. So, “bipolar affective disorder” essentially means a disorder characterized by two distinct poles of mood (bipolar) and involving abnormal emotional states (affective).
- This term emphasizes the emotional nature of the disorder. It highlights that the extreme mood swings in bipolar disorder are not just normal fluctuations in mood but are part of a clinically significant mental health condition that affects a person's emotional well - being, as well as their ability to function in daily life.
- Similar to “bipolar disorder,” “bipolar affective disorder” encompasses different subtypes. Bipolar I disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode, which can be severe enough to cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to require hospitalization. Manic episodes in Bipolar I disorder may also be accompanied by depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II disorder, on the other hand, is defined by the presence of at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomania is a milder form of mania. While a person in a hypomanic episode may experience increased energy, elevated mood, and decreased need for sleep, these symptoms are not as severe as in a manic episode and do not cause significant impairment in functioning or require hospitalization.
- Cyclothymic disorder is another subtype within the spectrum of bipolar affective disorders. It is characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods of depressive symptoms for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms in cyclothymic disorder are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a major depressive episode, a manic episode, or a hypomanic episode.
- Bipolar Disorder Spectrum Disorders
- The term “Bipolar Disorder Spectrum Disorders” is used to describe a range of mental health conditions that share similarities with bipolar disorder but may not fully meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar I or bipolar II disorder.
- This concept acknowledges that bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum, with different levels of severity and symptom presentation. At one end of the spectrum is bipolar I disorder, which is characterized by severe manic episodes that can have a significant impact on a person's life. At the other end of the spectrum are milder forms of mood dysregulation that may share some features with bipolar disorder but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria.
- Some examples of conditions within the bipolar disorder spectrum include:
- Sub - threshold Bipolar Disorder: This refers to a condition where a person experiences some symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as mood swings, changes in energy levels, or sleep disturbances, but these symptoms do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. The symptoms may be less severe or shorter in duration than those required for a formal diagnosis.
- Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP - NOS): This is a diagnostic category used when a person's symptoms suggest a bipolar - like disorder but do not fit neatly into the criteria for bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymic disorder. For example, a person may have mood swings that are not clearly associated with manic or depressive episodes as defined in the diagnostic criteria. Or they may experience symptoms that are a combination of bipolar - like features and other mental health symptoms, making it difficult to assign a more specific diagnosis.
- Mixed - State Bipolar Disorder: In some cases, a person with bipolar disorder may experience a mixed state, where symptoms of mania and depression occur simultaneously or in rapid succession. For example, a person may feel extremely energetic and restless (symptoms of mania) while also experiencing intense sadness and feelings of hopelessness (symptoms of depression). Mixed - state bipolar disorder can be particularly challenging to diagnose and treat, as the combination of manic and depressive symptoms can be complex and difficult to manage.
These synonyms for bipolar disorder all refer to the same general concept of a mental health disorder characterized by extreme mood swings. However, each term may have its own nuances and implications, and the choice of term may depend on the context, the audience, and the purpose of the communication.