phoria; extreme irritability and distractibility; a decreased need for sleep; unrealistic beliefs in ones abilities and powers; uncharacteristically poor judgment; unusual behavior; an increased sexual drive the abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications; a provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior; and a denial that anything is wrong. Some characteristics of depression include periods of: persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood; feeling of hopelessness or pessimism; feelings or guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities; decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down"; difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions; restlessness or irritability; sleep disturbances; loss of appetite or weight, or weight gain; chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical disease; thoughts of death or suicide; and suicide attempts.There are also several types of bipolar disorders, depending on the nature of the illness. The main types are Bipolar I disorder, Bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar I disorder includes individuals who have had at least one full manic or mixed mood episode, and may or may not suffer from episodes of depression. Bipolar II disorder includes persons who have had at least one depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never experience a full manic or mixed mood episode. Bipolar II may go unrecognized because the hypomanic symptoms may not appear that unusual. Cyclothymic disorder includes individuals who have suffered numerous hypomanic and depressive symptoms over at least 2 years that are not severe or not long enough in duration to meet the criteria for a mood episode. The subtypes of bipolar disorder include: rapid cycling, seasonal pattern, and post-partum onset. Individuals who experience more frequent mood episodes (4 or more per year) are...
