If you're having intense mood swings similar to manic and depressive phases, you might be diagnosed with bipolar disorder NOS (not otherwise specified) if you don't meet the criteria for any of the other bipolar disorders. Bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymia disorder have specific criteria that a client must meet before receiving one of those diagnoses, but there are many people that don't meet the criteria but still have many of the symptoms.
History
Today's Caregiver reports that symptoms of bipolar disorder were recognized in the second century but were not substantiated until 1650 when Richard Burton wrote a book titled "The Anatomy of Melancholia." Mental health professionals continue to use his findings and research. Before the term "bipolar disorder" appeared in the DSM, the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals, people referred to the disorder as manic depression.
Function
Mental health professionals currently use the DSM-IV-TR to diagnose their patients with mental health disorders. Under each disorder there is a list of symptoms and criteria that a patient must have in order to receive a certain diagnosis. Bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder require that you experience symptoms for specific periods of time. For instance, you must experience a manic phase for at least one week to receive a bipolar I disorder. Some people experience most of the symptoms but don't meet the time requirement, so these people are diagnosed with bipolar disorder NOS diagnosis. Once the person meets the criteria for one of the other bipolar diagnoses, his diagnosis will change.
Symptoms
The main symptom you'll experience if you suffer from bipolar disorder is mood swings. You'll go through periods of time in which you feel elated or irritable and time periods in which you feel depressed and blue. During those phases, you might have issues sleeping and eating, trouble concentrating, have racing thoughts, have an increased sense of self or low self-worth, and have problems at work and maintaining relationships with friends and family members.
Treatment
If you receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder NOS, your treatment will mirror the treatment for bipolar disorder. Your doctor or therapist might recommend that you begin taking a mood stabilizer such as lithium or lamictal and begin psychotherapy. If you're experiencing severe manic symptoms or having suicidal thoughts, you might need a psychiatric hospitalization to stabilize your mood in a safe environment. The Mayo Clinic reports that electroconvulsive therapy can be used to treat extreme periods of depression if other forms of treatment aren't effective.
Warning
People with this disorder have an increased risk of partaking in dangerous behaviors such as taking large quantities of drugs and of committing suicide. If you feel that you suffer from symptoms of bipolar disorder, you should get professional help as soon as possible.
