Bipolar Spectrum Disorder
Bipolar Awareness Day 26 May 2019 What is Bipolar Spectrum Disorder? Three to four percent of South Africans have Bipolar. Bipolar disorder is more than just a simple mood swing. Bipolar is when one experiences a sudden, dramatic shift in the most extreme emotions. These shifts are not self induced, just a few hiccups in the brain. In the manic or “high” phase of the illness you aren’t just happy, you are ecstatic. A great burst of energy can be followed by a severe depression, which is the “low” phase of the disease. Periods of fairly normal moods can be experienced between cycles, which are different for different people. They can last for days, weeks, or even months. Bipolar disorder can be disabling, but it also responds well to treatment. Many other diseases can present themselves as bipolar disorder, so it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. This spectrum covers four nerobehavioural conditions namely Bipolar I, II, Cyclothymic disorder an...