Bipolar Disorder Overview
Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that causes mood swings and various types of high and low mood episodes. In America, 5.7 million individuals live with bipolar disorder. Because there are many cyclical symptoms of bipolar disorder, receiving an accurate diagnosis when you live with bipolar disorder can be a challenge. Typically, you will start by seeing a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner who will help you track your moods and support you with medication. Treatment for bipolar disorder has high success rates, with medication and therapy, which help to manage mood swings and increase quality of life.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder (previously called manic-depressive disorder) is a mood disorder that causes powerful shifts in mood, sleep habits and cognitive abilities. These shifts are known as mania or hypomania, and depressive episodes. While there are a few types of bipolar disorders, it is widely understood that those with bipolar disorder will experience severe ups and downs on an ongoing basis.
During manic episodes, you may experience abnormal moods that feel elevated or irritable and quickly changing thought patterns, feelings, energy levels, communication and an increase in activity. Depressive episodes involve feeling sad, worried and hopeless, with a decrease in interest in activities.
Bipolar 1 vs 2
There are two types of bipolar disorder, which are labeled as Bipolar I and Bipolar II.
Bipolar I Disorder
- You have experienced one or more manic episodes that last at least seven days or are severe enough to enter inpatient care
- Most people live with episodes of mania and depression, though depression is not required for diagnosis
- You may have depressive episodes that last typically 2 weeks at a time
Bipolar II Disorder
- You experience both depressive and hypomanic episodes
- Never reaches a full manic episode that is characteristic of bipolar I
- You have had at least one hypomanic episode in your lifetime, but battle depression more often
Distinguishing between the two types of bipolar disorder requires a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner to perform screenings and talk with you about your symptoms and concerns.
In addition, there is a third type of bipolar disorder called Cyclothymic Disorder, where you may experience unstable, high and low moods. These mood shifts may be less frequent, shortened in length, and less severe, than the other two types of bipolar disorder.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder
What causes bipolar disorder is not known. Research suggests that there are a few factors which could lead to a bipolar disorder diagnosis. According to the National Institute or Mental Health, bipolar disorder can run in families. While this is possible, other factors are likely at play due to documented evidence. Studies of identical twins have been conducted and show us that one twin can develop bipolar disorder, and the other twin does not. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that you will develop bipolar disorder if you have a family member who lives with the condition. However, like with any medical concerns, it is important to understand family history and to seek support when you have concerns.
Am I Bipolar?
You may have bipolar disorder if you experience moderate to severe mood swings that last 1-2 weeks at a time. Though symptoms of bipolar can look like other conditions, including major depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, or borderline personality disorder.
- Major Depressive Disorder is a condition where you experience ongoing and persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness, worry and lack of interest in activities you normally enjoy.
- Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can cause hallucinations and delusions and can also cause you to be depressed.
- Anxiety disorders are a common misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder are at risk of experiencing high anxiety.
- Borderline Personality Disorder is a condition that comes with mood swings that last up to several days and can involve being irritable, unhappy or anxious. Those with borderline personality disorder may have long-lasting feelings of emptiness, lose their temper often, or feel suicidal.
Since many of these symptoms overlap, it can take some time for a professional to help you with a bipolar disorder diagnosis – though it is a worthy effort. It’s important to be screened by a licensed psychiatric professional and provided with the right treatment to help you manage your mood. Your provider may help you track your mood on an ongoing basis so that together you can better assess your ups and downs. If you’re concerned you may have a mental health condition, do not wait to reach out. Make sure you get help as soon as possible.
Bipolar Symptoms
Since bipolar disorder symptoms fluctuate, it can be challenging to track your own emotional patterns. Those with bipolar disorder experience high ups and downs – the high moods leading to happiness and excitement and the low moods leading to sadness and exhaustion.
Hypomania Bipolar Symptoms:
- Feeling an atypical increase of happiness, excitement and energy
- Increased activity
- Not sleeping but still feeling rested
- Inflated sense of self
- Feeling invincible or like nothing can go wrong
- Experiencing racing thoughts and multiple ideas at the same time
- Impulsive behavior like excessive shopping, or highly sexual behavior
- Uncontrolled fidgeting or pacing
- Being easily distracted
Depressive Bipolar Symptoms:
- Excessive worrying
- Low energy or feeling exhausted
- Feeling very sad and empty
- Prolonged feelings of hopelessness
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Being forgetful
- A disinterest in things you normally enjoy
- Avoiding social situations or family and friends
- Low self-esteem
Common Triggers
There are various triggers that can bring bipolar episodes to the surface. Triggers can include chronic stress, major life changes, getting too little or too much sleep, irregular physical activity or eating patterns, stopping prescribed medication without consulting your doctor or psychiatrist, or too much caffeine later in the day.
Medication for Bipolar Disorder
Treatment for bipolar disorder is managed by a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Those with bipolar may also benefit from seeing a therapist who can help manage symptoms, prevent relapses and increase overall wellbeing.
Medication can help manage bipolar disorder and level out moods over the long term.
Therapeutic support is available as well. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that, for those with bipolar, focuses on identifying thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mood swings.
Your psychiatrist will also review your lifestyle habits and make recommendations that include exercise, eating healthy foods, and getting a balanced amount of sleep. Lifestyle changes can significantly improve the stability of your mood.
If you need bipolar disorder treatment or are ready to ask for support, we encourage you to reach out to a local mental health professional who can support you. You deserve to feel your best.
Ready to get started? Find a local trusted mental health provider now and start your personalized journey to a happier, healthier you. At Elite DNA, we accept nearly every insurance plan in Florida including Medicare and Medicaid.
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