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Glossary

Glossary of Terms

Here’s a glossary of terms related to  Bipolar Disorder:

    1. Bipolar Disorder: A mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
    2. Mania: A state of elevated mood, energy, and activity levels, often characterized by feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and reduced need for sleep.
    3. Hypomania: A less severe form of mania, characterized by a noticeable change in mood, but without severe impairment in functioning.
    4. Depression: A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
    5. Mood swings: Sudden and intense changes in mood, often alternating between periods of mania or hypomania and depression.
    6. Mixed episode: A period during which an individual experiences both manic/hypomanic and depressive symptoms simultaneously or in rapid alternation.
    7. Bipolar I Disorder: A subtype of bipolar disorder characterized by manic episodes that last at least seven days or by manic symptoms that are severe enough to require immediate hospital care.
    8. Bipolar II Disorder: A subtype of bipolar disorder characterized by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not full-blown manic episodes.
    9. Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form of bipolar disorder characterized by episodes of hypomania and mild depression that last for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents).
    10. Rapid cycling: A pattern of frequent, distinct episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania in bipolar disorder, occurring at least four times within a 12-month period.
    11. Lithium: A medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, particularly for preventing manic and depressive episodes.
    12. Mood stabilizers: Medications used to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood and preventing episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression.
    13. Antidepressants: Medications used to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, often used in conjunction with mood stabilizers.
    14. Psychotherapy: A treatment approach that involves talking to a therapist to gain insight into and resolve emotional and behavioral issues, often used in conjunction with medication for bipolar disorder.
    15. Triggers: Factors or situations that can precipitate or exacerbate mood episodes in bipolar disorder, such as stress, sleep disturbances, or substance abuse.
    16. Psychosis: A mental state characterized by a loss of contact with reality, often including hallucinations or delusions, which can occur during severe manic or depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.
    17. Euthymia: A relatively stable and balanced mood state, neither manic nor depressed, often considered the goal of treatment in bipolar disorder.
    18. Resilience: The ability to cope with and adapt to adversity or stress, which can be an important factor in managing bipolar disorder.
    19. Comorbidity: The presence of one or more additional disorders or conditions co-occurring with bipolar disorder, such as anxiety disorders or substance use disorders.
    20. Relapse: The return of symptoms after a period of improvement or remission, which can occur in bipolar disorder if treatment is discontinued or not followed as prescribed.
    21. Self-care: Activities and practices that individuals can engage in to promote their physical, emotional, and mental well-being, which can be particularly important in managing bipolar disorder.
    22. Social support: The assistance and comfort provided by others, such as friends, family, or support groups, which can be beneficial in coping with bipolar disorder.
    23. Hypersomnia: Excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged nighttime sleep, which can occur during depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.
    24. Psychoeducation: The process of providing information and education about bipolar disorder, its symptoms, treatment options, and coping strategies, to individuals and their families.
    25. Manic-depressive cycle: The pattern of alternating manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, which varies in frequency and intensity among individuals.