Bipolar Disorders

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About Bipolar Disorders

People living with bipolar disorder deal with dramatic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels. The back-and-forth periods of time feeling “up and manic” to feeling “down and depressed” can make it seem nearly impossible for them to function on a daily basis. Episodes of mood swings can occur several times a year or rarely, depending on the person. There are various types of bipolar and bipolar related disorders:

  • Bipolar I disorder - manic episodes lasting a week or longer, some so extreme they leave the person hospitalized. Also accompanied by depressive episodes that last at least 2 weeks.
  • Bipolar II disorder - recurrent depressive episodes without a manic episode; some people with bipolar II experience hypomanic episodes (not fully classified as “manic”; more like feelings of euphoria, high energy or excess irritability).
  • Cyclothymic disorder - a more mild mood disorder defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that last 2 years or longer, although the symptoms are not extreme enough to be diagnosed as major depressive or full mania episodes.

Symptoms vary from person to person and over time. Mania and hypomania share symptoms, however it is important to note that mania can be much more problematic and severe. Mania can interfere with a person’s daily life, work, social activities and relationship. It can also cause psychosis and require hospitalization.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorders:

Manic or hypomanic episodes will include several of these symptoms:

  • Feeling overly energized, elated and upbeat
  • Feeling abnormally sensitive or irritable
  • Euphoria and exaggerated feelings of self-confidence, self-importance and power
  • A decreased need for sleep
  • Abnormal talkativeness
  • A loss of appetite
  • Racing thoughts
  • Risky and impulsive behavior leading to poor decisions with finances, sexual activity, or substance use

During a depressive episode, the symptoms can look quite the opposite:

  • Feeling extremely down, sad, empty and hopeless
  • A lack of interest in feeling pleasure in virtually all activities
  • An increase or decrease in appetite leading to weight problems
  • Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness or even inappropriate guilt
  • Problems sleeping, including insomnia and sleeping too much
  • Slowed behavior and withdrawal from social situations
  • A loss of energy and extreme feelings of fatigue
  • Decreased motivation to take on even small tasks
  • Lowered ability to think, concentrate or make decisions
  • Thoughts, plans or attempts at suicide

Why There Is Hope for Bipolar Disorders

Working with a mental health professional can help people with bipolar disorder get their symptoms under control. Some people may enjoy the hypomanic episodes and the energy and euphoria that accompanies it, however the depressive crash is inevitable. It’s possible to live a balanced life with reduced symptoms when proper care is taken and treatment is sought out.

Helping A Loved One and Early Intervention for Bipolar Disorder

Everyone has their good days and bad, but people living with bipolar disorder don’t realize that their mood swings and emotional instability are disrupting their lives and interfering with their relationships. If you or someone you know has experienced any of the symptoms associated with bipolar disorders, it’s important to reach out to a doctor. The disorder will not go away on its own and many cases require lifetime treatment.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are common among those living with bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Things can get better by simply asking for help.

How We Treat Bipolar Disorders

Medication and psychotherapy can effectively reduce the symptoms of even the most severe cases of bipolar disorder. Because depressive episodes can often look like major depressive disorder, it’s important for doctors to look at the history of the patient before misdiagnosing. Antidepressants can help symptoms of depressive moods, however, they can also trigger manic episodes. It’s important to work with a doctor to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will work for each case. Mood-stabilizers and medications that focus specifically on sleep and anxiety can be effective factors in treating symptoms.

Therapy can be extremely effective at treating bipolar disorders. Talk therapy aims to help a person identify and redirect harmful emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Education for those diagnosed as well as their families is important for understanding the disorder and learning healthy coping techniques to provide support in the future. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy has been developed for the specific treatment of bipolar disorder. By learning how to take control by identifying emotions and managing corresponding behaviors, people diagnosed with bipolar disorder can find stability in their lives and relationships with others.

What Ongoing Care for Bipolar Disorder Looks Like

It’s very important for people living with bipolar disorder to continue with their treatment plans, including keeping appointments, taking medication and staying compliant to the various forms of therapy. Recovery will take time, so patience and consistency are key. Evidence shows that regular exercise can help with depression, anxiety, brain and heart health. It also promotes better sleep. Getting outside to walk, jog, bike or do some yoga can positively impact your mood and your physical well being.

People in recovery from bipolar disorders are advised to keep a daily journal where they can record their emotions, sleep patterns, life events and symptoms. Keeping an open line of communication with their doctor and other mental health providers while sharing this information will help track and treat the disorder over time. Staying aware of the symptoms and mood swings can help to prevent episodes from occurring. Making healthy lifestyle choices and avoiding misuse of alcohol and other substances can also help. Bipolar disorder is an illness that stays with the person for life. But through long-term treatment, symptoms can be controlled and the individual can go on to live a healthy life.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorders:

Manic or hypomanic episodes will include several of these symptoms:

  • Feeling overly energized, elated and upbeat
  • Feeling abnormally sensitive or irritable
  • Euphoria and exaggerated feelings of self-confidence, self-importance and power
  • A decreased need for sleep
  • Abnormal talkativeness
  • A loss of appetite
  • Racing thoughts
  • Risky and impulsive behavior leading to poor decisions with finances, sexual activity, or substance use

During a depressive episode, the symptoms can look quite the opposite:

  • Feeling extremely down, sad, empty and hopeless
  • A lack of interest in feeling pleasure in virtually all activities
  • An increase or decrease in appetite leading to weight problems
  • Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness or even inappropriate guilt
  • Problems sleeping, including insomnia and sleeping too much
  • Slowed behavior and withdrawal from social situations
  • A loss of energy and extreme feelings of fatigue
  • Decreased motivation to take on even small tasks
  • Lowered ability to think, concentrate or make decisions
  • Thoughts, plans or attempts at suicide