BIPOLAR EXPLAINED
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive disorder, is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person's mood and energy. In severe cases, these changes can impact the functioning of life. Bipolar is characterized by intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks. These mood episodes shift between euphoric and energetic feelings to hopelessness and depression.
It is common for bipolar disorder to run in families - an estimated 80 to 90 percent of individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative also diagnosed. A chemical imbalance in the brain is believed to lead to dysregulated brain activity. The average age of onset is 25 years old.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
If you believe you may have bipolar disorder, consider taking a bipolar screen.
Mania
Mania is a period of extreme high energy. Episodes may last for weeks or even months and can alter the way a person thinks or behaves. This can potentially lead to problems in relationships, work and school. During a severe manic episode, people are hospitalized.
- increased energy
- euphoria
- racing thoughts
- not sleeping or sleeping very little
- risky behavior - hypersexuality/unprotected sex
- feeling invincible
- impulsive behavior - extreme shopping sprees, picking up random hobbies not related to normal interests
- intense anxiety
- In severe cases, psychosis
- hallucinations
- paranoia
- feelings of being watched
Depression
A major depressive episode in bipolar disorder lasts a minimum of two weeks. Individuals with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of suicide than other people who experience depression. It includes at least 5 of the below symptoms:
- Intense sadness or despair
- Loss of interest in hobbies and daily activities
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Fatigue
- Increased or decreased sleep
- Fluctuation in sleep and appetite
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences a manic episode. During a manic episode, people with bipolar I disorder experience an extreme increase in energy and may feel on top of the world or uncomfortably irritable in mood. Some people with bipolar I disorder also experience depressive or hypomanic episodes, and most people with bipolar I disorder also have periods of neutral mood.
A diagnosis of bipolar II disorder requires someone to have at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. People return to their usual functioning between episodes. People with bipolar II disorder often first seek treatment as a result of their first depressive episode, since hypomanic episodes often feel pleasurable and can even increase performance at work or school.
People with bipolar II disorder frequently have other mental illnesses such as an anxiety disorder or substance use disorder, the latter of which can exacerbate symptoms of depression or hypomania.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder involving many "mood swings," with hypomania and depressive symptoms that occur frequently. People with cyclothymia experience emotional ups and downs but with less severe symptoms than bipolar I or II disorder.
If you suffer from bipolar disorder, please know that with a combination of therapy, healthy lifestyle choices, a support system and/or medication - you WILL live a fulfilling and meaningful life. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are so many individuals in our community who are extremely successful.
More resources
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- International Bipolar Foundation: Getting Help
- Mental Health America: Bipolar Information & Screening