Moods

Today I would like to talk about long term mood disorders . Where as a person has a good mood or a bad mood, I tend as a person who has Bipolar illness to have periods of depression and mania.This is what is now termed Bipolar Disorder or major mood disorders. It was formally called Manic depression in which a person has both periods of depression and mania.

Bipolar disorders- from Wikipedia free encylopedia

• Bipolar disorder (BD), a mood disorder formerly known as "manic depression" and described by alternating periods of mania and depression (and in some cases rapid cycling, mixed states, and psychotic symptoms). Subtypes include:

• Bipolar I is distinguished by the presence or history of one or more manic episodes or mixed episodes with or without major depressive episodes. A depressive episode is not required for the diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder, but depressive episodes are often part of the course of the illness.
• Bipolar II consisting of recurrent intermittent hypomanic and depressive episodes.
• Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder, consisting of recurrent hypomanic and dysthymic episodes, but no full manic episodes or full major depressive episodes.
• Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BD-NOS), sometimes called "sub-threshold" bipolar, indicates that the patient suffers from some symptoms in the bipolar spectrum (e.g. manic and depressive symptoms) but does not fully qualify for any of the three formal bipolar DSM-IV diagnoses mentioned above.

It is estimated that roughly one percent of the adult population suffers from bipolar I, roughly one percent of the adult population suffers from bipolar II or cyclothymia, and somewhere between two and five percent suffer from "sub-threshold" forms of bipolar disorder.

I am classified with Bipolar 1. I have had a major manic episode, with smaller depressive episodes. Now, off to the races, as I want to share some very important news. I am stable today only because I make right choices. I choose to go to my two doctors. I choose to take my meds everyday. I choose to listen to those in my life who love me. I have mood swings, but I choose to walk in victory. At age 50 I was diagnosed with BPD ( Bipolar Disorder). Mad, yes I was very mad. I think I went into denial. Today I have accepted my illness, and am doing so much better.
I still have periods in which I can't get motivated, but for the most part I am a happy camper.
In September I turn 54, and I am looking forward to many more good years.Be Blessed, Van