Bipolar II Disorder: Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones Checks in for Help

For many of us, bipolar disorder is just a name to describe a problem. It doesn't affect our lives and we may not have encountered anyone with the health issue. However, for those with a family member or friend suffering from this medical problem, including the individual victim themself, it can be a debilitating mental disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a complex illness with many different symptoms and types of the disorder. The primary symptoms, however, are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings that follow during certain periods of the illness. Various types of bipolar disorder range from mild to severe, according to Web MD. 

The primary symptoms of bipolar disorder are dramatic and even unpredictable mood swings. Mania symptoms may also include a wide range of feelings, stretching from excessive happiness to racing thoughts or a high sex drive. Depression symptoms for those with bipolar disorder can include sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of energy, etc., and depending on the type of disorder, the highs can be very high and the lows can be very low.

When it comes to the bipolar spectrum, there are several types. Starting with Bipolar I, this is where a person with the disorder has had at least one manic episode in his or her life that disrupts usual daily activity by an abnormally elevated mood. Bipolar II has moods cycling between high and low over time and a higher risk of reaching full-on mania more frequently and for longer periods. (Other types of bipolar disorder include Rapid Cycling, Mixed Bipolar and Cyclothmia.)

From recent news, we know that popular celebrity Catherine Zeta-Jones decided to check into a health care facility for her bipolar II disorder. She is certainly not the only individual in the limelight to step out for help with their condition.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has also been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. Jackson resigned from the House of Representatives last year after undergoing treatment. 

Bipolar II disorder "is a treatable condition that affects parts of the brain controlling emotion, thought and drive and is most likely caused by a complex set of genetic and environmental factors," according to the Mayo Clinic.