Vocab Quiz?

It has been brought to my attention that I’ve been throwing around some terminology that many people outside of the mental health experience may not be familiar with. I will attempt to define some of these words in simplified language. It you want to understand them better, I suggest the following websites for further information, try the following links, or just ask me:

http://bipolar.about.com/od/glossary/Glossary_of_Bipolar_Disorder_Terms.htm

http://www.healthcentral.com/bipolar/understanding-bipolar.html

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=nami_connection&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67728

Bipolar Disorder I- The most severe form of Bipolar Disorder. According to the DSM-IV, Bipolar I is “characterized by one or more manic or mixed episodes, usually accompanied by multiple major depressive episodes.” Bipolar I is the kind most often depicted in the media. (See: Mania)

Bipolar Disorder II- Right now, this is “what I have”, but diagnosis can change as more symptoms develop over time. According to the DSM-IV, Bipolar II disorder is “characterized by one or more major depressive episodes accompanied by at least one hypomanic episode.” The main difference in the two is that those with Bipolar II have hypomanic episodes, but no manic episodes.

Cyclothymia- Sometimes called Bipolar III, it’s known as a “mild” form of Bipolar Disorder. In cyclothymic disorders, the patient will range from mild depression to euphoria and excitement, but stop short of the extremes of the disorder.

Off-Label- The FDA approves medications for specific uses. If a medication is prescribed by a doctor for another use, it is called an “off-label” use. For example, I used Trazodone and Seroquel off-label. Trazodone is usually a depression medication, and Seroquel is for psychosis. But when used in lower doses, they work in different ways in the body.

Baseline- The range of emotions and actions that make up what you, doctors, and support people (family/friends) find to be “normal.” Everyone’s baseline is different. My baseline is high energy, upbeat, and sometimes confrontational. Suzy might be withdrawn, pessimistic, and conflict-avoidant. Both of our individual “baselines” are normal, even though they are different.

Depression- All encompassing low mood, low self esteem, loss of interest in activities usually enjoyed, low energy level. Can be accompanied by insomnia or hypersomnia (too much sleep). Can impact work or relationships.

Severe Depression- Same symptoms as above, but higher severity and longer duration. Suicidal ideation and attempts are usually found in severe depression. There will be negative effects on work, school, relationships, hygiene…pretty much anything you can imagine.

Hypomania- Literally meaning “below mania” is generally a period of persistent elevated or euphoric moods. It can also be a period of high agitation and irritability. Racing thoughts, pressured speech, and an idea of “the rest of the world moving too slow.” People in a hypomanic state have little need for sleep, are outgoing, competitive, confrontational, and usually have a higher productivity. Hypomania is separated from mania in that it does not have the psychotic symptoms, and doesn’t tend to impair day to day function. Classic symptoms: “mild euphoria, a flood if ideas, endless energy, and a desire and drive for success”

Mania- A state of elevated or irritable mood, arousal, and energy levels. All of the symptoms found in hypomania can be found here, with the addition of psychosis. Mania is also associated with gambling, shopping sprees, affairs/sudden divorces, unprotected and dangerous sex, and other excesses.

Mixed Episode- An episode that no one wants to have. It combines the worst parts of hypomanic/manic with the worst parts of depression. Basically, you can be high energy, insomniac, suicidal, depressed, creative and driven all at the same time. Not a good combination.

Suicidal Ideation- Thoughts of suicide. From “wishing to die” to making a plan, this simply means that suicide is on the mind of the individual. There are varying degrees of severity.

Successful suicide attempt- Results in death.

Unsuccessful suicide attempt- Does not result in death.

Racing Thoughts- I found this on Wikipedia and thought it was a great explanation, so I’m just going to copy it verbatim. “Racing thoughts may be experienced as background or take over a person's consciousness. Thoughts, music, and voices might be zooming through one's mind. There also might be a repetitive pattern of voice or of pressure without any associated "sound". It is a very overwhelming and irritating feeling, and can result in losing track of time.”

Pressured Speech- “Rapid, loud and difficult-to-interrupt speech characteristic of the manic phase of bipolar disorder. The person may be extremely talkative and continue to talk even though no one is listening.” This is not just being chatty. I’m a chatty person by nature. But this is me to the ^10th. I will babble on incoherently, often having to force myself to stop to breathe. I will also flit from topic to topic more than I usually would, or talk more about my feelings than I usually do.

Psychosis- This is a generic psychiatric term for what most people would just call “crazy.” The actual definition is more along the lines of “having lost touch with reality.” Hallucinations, delusional beliefs, sudden personality changes can all be aspects of psychosis.


I hope this clarifies some of these ideas. These are merely my summation of these terms, and I do not pretend to be an expert. Addtionally, my definition is colored by what I have personally experienced.

-Z