Bipolar Disorder Abbreviation: The acronyms used in mental health can occasionally resemble a bowl of alphabet soup. OCD and ADHD. BPD and PTSD. They might be challenging to keep track of.

Although it is far simpler to mention the lengthy and complex names of many mental health illnesses after they have been shortened, this can be problematic for people who are unsure of the precise meaning of each acronym. We have created a guide to help you grasp the meaning of some of the numerous mental health acronyms.

Bipolar Disorder Abbreviation to Never Forget

It’s important to keep these abbreviations in mind, as you might need a fair knowledge of them at some point in time.

Add

The word “attention deficit disorder” (ADD) is no longer used. The term ADHD has gained popularity among doctors for describing people with ADD.

ADHD

A brain ailment known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity, which interfere with a person’s ability to perform at work or in school.

Regarding ADHD, inattention is defined as a struggle to stay focused on the task at hand, hyperactivity is defined as an inability to sit still, and impulsivity is defined as actions taken without thinking or giving them a second thought.

British Petroleum

One common misconception is that bipolar disorder (BP) is a mental illness. While extreme bouts of rage or sadness may lead certain people to label themselves as bipolar, the condition is, by definition, far more complicated. There are four forms of bipolar illness:

Bipolar I disorder

Characterized by manic episodes lasting at least seven days, sometimes so severe as to necessitate hospitalization, followed by a depressive episode lasting usually two weeks. It’s also possible to have mixed episodes, in which you experience both depressive and manic symptoms at the same time.

Bipolar II disorder

A pattern of manic and depressive episodes, albeit less intense than those experienced by people with bipolar I illness.

Cyclothymic disorder

During a period of at least two years, there are several times when a person experiences depressive and manic symptoms, but these episodes are not severe enough to be considered hypomanic or depressive episodes.

Other Defined and Undefined Bipolar and Associated Diseases

Symptoms of bipolar illness that do not fall under any of the three categories listed above.

BPD

Extreme mood, conduct, self-image, and functional instability are all symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD), a mental illness. Frequently, this instability is accompanied by impulsiveness and turbulent relationships. People with BPD frequently experience intense rage, worry, and sadness.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD), often referred to as depression or clinical depression, is a very prevalent mood condition. A diagnosis of MDD is made when a person’s mood has been consistently low for two weeks, affecting their self-esteem, self-perception, and perspective on life. This frequently causes problems with sleeping, eating, and carrying out essential everyday tasks.

OCD

Obsessions and compulsions make up the disorder known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Compulsions (or rituals) are behaviors that must be performed in order to lessen the feelings of anxiety brought on by all-consuming thoughts, pictures, or ideas. OCD is a really crippling condition that, if left untreated, may cause significant disruptions in a person’s life.

PTSD

People who have been through a traumatic, life-threatening, or frightening incident, like sexual assault or active-duty battle, may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although anxiety is prevalent during these occurrences and often diminishes with time, people with PTSD experience the severe “fight-or-flight” reaction every time they are reminded of the incident. The onset of symptoms usually occurs within three months of the traumatic incident, but in some cases, it doesn’t manifest for years.

Some More Abbreviations

AHRQ: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

BMI: Body Mass Index

BD: Bipolar Disorder

BPD: Borderline Personality Disorder

CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In conclusion, seek therapy right now if you have one of these acronyms for mental health conditions. The acronyms for mental health can be difficult to decipher.

It’s even harder to come to terms with the fact that you have a mental illness. But treatment is available if you are determined to have a condition. Many mental health conditions, such as PTSD, substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, and OCD, have treatment options available.