Introduction
Life comes with its share of emotional changes up and down. However, for people who have bipolar disorder, their mood changes are more severe than those experienced by most. It can feel amazing to be energetic and full of confidence today, only to be brought down by despair or stress just weeks or days afterwards. That’s just how life can be for a person with bipolar disorder.
Although millions suffer from this mental health problem, it is still shrouded by confusion and ignorance. Misunderstood as only mood swings, bipolar disorder is an illness that lasts a lifetime and requires attention, awareness and sympathy.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a long-lasting condition in which a person experiences strong swings in mood, energy and how they act. You may go from being very high and active (mania or hypomania) to being very low and depressed and these mood swings can last for a short or a long period, sometimes even up to months.
They are not only changes in a person’s feelings. They have an important impact on daily living, relationships, one’s career and even how a person views the world. Some people might end up in the hospital or harm themselves if mental health problems are ignored.
This condition is not unusual or uncommon. In the U.S. alone, about 2.8% of adults are affected by it every year and many more people worldwide. People tend to have their first episode in late adolescence or early adulthood, though the condition can develop in anyone at any age.
It is important to note that, with the correct treatment, medication and therapy, many individuals with bipolar disorder can live happy and productive lives.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
It is important to know the different bipolar disorder types to make sure the diagnosis is correct and the right treatment is given. Although all mood disorders include mood episodes, their levels of intensity, how long they last and how frequently they show up differ from one type to another.
1. Bipolar I Disorder
In this form, manic episodes stretch out for at least 7 days or the symptoms become so intense that the person must be admitted to a hospital. Depressive episodes are common and usually stretch on for at least two weeks. Sometimes, people have signs of depression and mania occurring together.
2. Bipolar II Disorder
A person with Bipolar II can have depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, though not the more severe manic episodes present in Bipolar I.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
It is characterized by many changes in mood from one day to the next for at least two years (one year in children and teenagers). The symptoms are different from those commonly seen in hypomania or major depression, but they still cause discomfort and lower the person’s abilities to function.
4. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders
Some examples include bipolar symptoms that do not match the above categories but continue to cause major problems with mood changes.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
People with bipolar disorder may show different symptoms, depending on which kind and stage they are experiencing. Bipolar disorder is most easily recognized by the sharp changes between manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes.
Manic Episode Symptoms
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Rapid speech or racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Increased goal-directed activities
- Participating in hazardous activities like overspending and having unprotected sex
- Heightened irritability or aggression
Hypomanic Episode Symptoms
- It has the traits of mania, but is less intense
- A mood-boost that you can observe without it becoming a big problem
- Often unrecognized by the individual
Depressive Episode Symptoms
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- A lack of enjoyment or desire to participate in things you once liked
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Alterations in someone’s eating habits and sleeping schedule
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Though the specific reason is not known, several different things are associated with developing bipolar disorder.
1. Genetic Factors
It is common for bipolar disorder to appear among several people in the same family. A person with a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder is much more likely to develop the disorder themselves.
2. Biological Differences
According to brain imaging and function studies, people with bipolar disorder often have differences in parts of their brain that handle emotion.
3. Chemical Imbalance
Changes in neurotransmitters, for example serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, can be a factor in mood swings and the appearance of the disorder.
4. Environmental Triggers
Certain events like past trauma, facing a lot of stress, trouble sleeping, substance abuse or becoming a parent can bring on or worsen the symptoms a person experiences.
Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder
While it can happen to anyone, bipolar disorder is especially common in people affected by these factors:
- Family History: Being related to someone with the disease makes it more likely.
- Trauma or Abuse: Being abused or traumatized as a child is linked to an increased risk.
- Substance Use: Using drugs or alcohol can cause symptoms to occur or get worse.
- Chronic Stress: Stressful situations can induce a change in someone’s mood.
- Sleep Disorders: Changes in the body’s circadian rhythms are closely connected to bipolar symptoms
- Hormonal Imbalances: For some people, experiencing postpartum hormone changes can set off these episodes.
Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis
Reaching a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is often not straightforward. Many people are mistakenly diagnosed with unipolar depression or anxiety disorders, particularly when they look for help when depressed.
A comprehensive diagnosis typically involves:
- Clinical Interview
- Psychiatric Evaluation
- Medical History Review
- Mood Charting
- Suggestions from Members of the Family
MDQ is a common mental health questionnaire that psychiatrists use to help make a diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, being a chronic problem, can still be kept under control using the correct treatments. A good medical and psychological care plan usually supports people in leading healthy and fulfilling lives.
1. Medications
a. Mood Stabilizers
Lithium is both the drug doctors prescribe most often and the one most studied for mood disorders. Other drugs fall under valproate, carbamazepine and lamotrigine.
b. Antipsychotics
Acts as a treatment for the strongest manic or depressive episodes. For example, medications such as olanzapine, risperidone and quetiapine are used.
c. Antidepressants
Often, doctors advise using the medicine with caution and sometimes together with a mood stabilizer to stop mania.
d. Anti-anxiety Medications
For example, benzodiazepines are given for minutes at a time to manage anxiety or sleep difficulty.
2. Psychotherapy
Therapy plays a key role in helping people become aware and handle their disease.
a. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Gives patients tools so that they can identify and change harmful thoughts and habits.
b. Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)
Meant to help establish regular routines and improve relationships with others.
c. Family-Focused Therapy
Make sure everyone significant to the patient is active in treatment so that communication gets better and relapse is less likely.
3. Lifestyle and Self-Management Strategies
a. Sleep Hygiene
Getting into a regular bedtime routine is very important for your mood.
b. Stress Reduction
You can manage your triggers through meditation, practicing yoga or using certain breathing techniques.
c. Exercise
Frequent exercising improves our mood and benefits our overall mind.
d. Routine Monitoring
Tracking your mood becomes easier with apps or journals which help you discover early signs of your condition.
Managing Bipolar Disorder Through the Long Term
Because bipolar disorder does not go away, it requires constant care, yet with support, individuals can have excellent lives. Central elements of long-term care are:
- Consistent medication adherence
- Regular therapy sessions
- Crisis planning for severe episodes
- Support through the help of friends, family members and group meetings
- Informs about the symptoms and causes
Bipolar Disorder in Special Populations
Children and Adolescents
Because children with bipolar disorder often have the same symptoms as those with ADHD or behavioral issues, it is difficult to spot. The most common symptoms are irritation, tantrums and difficulty sleeping.
Women
Hormone levels that change during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can influence a person’s emotional state. Pregnant women must be especially careful with their medication.
Older Adults
In late onset cases of bipolar disorder, symptoms usually involve a lot of depression and less obvious mania. Since seniors have special health concerns, this adds additional risks.
Myths and Misconceptions
Let’s bust some common myths:
Myth: Bipolar disorder is just moodiness.
Fact: Anorexia is a severe mental health disorder that should be treated by a medical professional.
Myth: Life becomes very different and difficult for those with bipolar disorder.
Fact: People with disabilities can lead meaningful and fulfilling lives when they get the proper support and care.
Myth: Medication is the only treatment.
Fact: All three are equally necessary for the treatment.
Final Thoughts: Hope and Healing Are Possible
Having bipolar disorder can last for a person’s entire life, but it does not dictate their fate. Bipolar disorder can be managed effectively so that people can lead stable, full and joyful lives.
You are more than your mood swings—healing is possible, and hope is real.
