What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder used to be called “manic depression”, but healthcare professionals no longer use this term. Instead, they use the term “bipolar spectrum disorder” to describe a range of conditions that share some common features.

The main feature of bipolar disorder is the presence of mood episodes. A mood episode is a period of time when your mood changes significantly from one extreme to another. For example, you may feel very happy and energetic (mania or hypomania), or very sad and hopeless (depression).

There are three main types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I disorder: This type involves at least one manic episode, which is a period of abnormally high energy and activity that lasts at least 7 days. During a manic episode, you may feel euphoric, irritable, impulsive, grandiose, or reckless. You may also have racing thoughts, talk fast or loudly, sleep less than usual, or engage in risky behaviors.
• Bipolar II disorder: This type involves at least one depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode, but less severe and shorter in duration (at least 4 days). During a hypomanic episode, you may feel more confident, creative, productive, or sociable than usual.
• Cyclothymic disorder: This type involves having mild and chronic symptoms of both mania and depression for at least 2 years. You may not have enough mood episodes to meet the criteria for bipolar I or II disorders.

Some people may also have other conditions that affect their mood swings or their treatment response. These include:

• Mixed features: This means having symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time.
• Rapid cycling: This means having four or more mood episodes in a year.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): This means having seasonal changes in your mood that are related to the weather.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): This means having severe mood changes before your menstrual period.
• Postpartum depression (PPD): This means having persistent sadness after giving birth.

What causes bipolar disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known yet. However, researchers believe that it involves a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors.

Genetic factors: Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. If one or both of your parents have had bipolar disorder or another mental illness such as schizophrenia or anxiety disorders, you are more likely to develop it yourself.

Environmental factors: Stressful life events such as trauma, abuse, loss, or relationship problems can trigger or worsen mood episodes in people with bipolar disorder.

Other factors: Some medical conditions such as thyroid problems, brain injuries, substance use, or hormonal changes can also affect your mood stability.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

To diagnose bipolar disorder, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will also ask about your family history of mental illness and any other medical conditions you have.

Your doctor will then use the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is a guidebook for mental health professionals.

According to the DSM-5, which was published in 2013:

• You must have had at least one full-blown manic episode
• You must have had at least one full-blown depressive episode
• You must not be currently experiencing any symptoms that meet the criteria for another mental illness

If you do not meet these criteria exactly but still have significant impairment in your functioning due to your mood swings, your doctor may use other terms such as:

• Cyclothymic spectrum
• Bipolar II
• Cyclothymic
• Cyclothymic-like

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary depending on the type and severity of your condition. However, some common signs that you may have bipolar disorder are:

• Feeling very happy (mania) or very sad (depression) for no apparent reason
• Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Feeling restless or sluggish
• Having racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
• Talking very fast or very slowly
• Being easily distracted or forgetful
• Having changes in your appetite or weight
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Having thoughts of death or suicide

If you notice any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment of bipolar disorder

There are different types of treatments available for bipolar disorder depending on the severity of your symptoms, your preferences, and your response to previous treatments.

The main types of treatments are:

Medication

Medication can help stabilize your mood, reduce the frequency and intensity of mood episodes, and prevent relapse.

Mood stabilizers: These drugs help prevent extreme changes in mood by balancing the chemicals in your brain. They include lithium, valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. You may need to take them for a long time, even when you feel well, to prevent future episodes.

Antipsychotics: These drugs help reduce symptoms of psychosis such as delusions, hallucinations, or paranoia. They include olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, aripiprazole, and lurasidone. You may need to take them for a short time during a manic or depressive episode, or for a longer time as an add-on to mood stabilizers.

Antidepressants: These drugs help lift your mood and treat depression. They include fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, venlafaxine, and duloxetine. You may need to take them for a short time during a depressive episode, or for a longer time as an add-on to mood stabilizers. However, some antidepressants may trigger or worsen mania, so you should use them with caution and under your doctor’s supervision.

Benzodiazepines: These drugs help reduce anxiety and insomnia. They include alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam. You may need to take them for a short time during a manic or depressive episode, or for a longer time as an add-on to mood stabilizers. However, they can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms, so you should use them with caution and under your doctor’s supervision.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a type of counseling that helps you understand and cope with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can also help you improve your relationships, communication, and problem-solving skills. There are different types of psychotherapy that can help you with bipolar disorder, such as:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy helps you identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that affect your mood and behavior. It also helps you develop coping strategies and goals to improve your well-being.

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): This therapy helps you stabilize your daily routines and social interactions that affect your mood and sleep. It also helps you deal with interpersonal issues and life events that trigger or worsen your mood episodes.

Family-focused therapy (FFT): This therapy helps you and your family members understand and cope with bipolar disorder. It also helps you improve your communication, support, and problem-solving skills within your family.

Psychoeducation: This therapy helps you and your family members learn more about bipolar disorder, its causes, symptoms, treatments, and coping methods. It also helps you recognize early signs of mood episodes and seek help when needed.

Other treatments

Other treatments that may help you with bipolar disorder include:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): This treatment involves passing a small electric current through your brain to induce a brief seizure. It can help improve severe symptoms of mania or depression that do not respond to medication or psychotherapy. It is usually given under general anesthesia and with muscle relaxants to minimize discomfort and side effects.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): This treatment involves applying a magnetic field to your scalp to stimulate certain areas of your brain. It can help improve mild to moderate symptoms of depression that do not respond to medication or psychotherapy. It is usually given without anesthesia and with minimal side effects.

Lifestyle changes: Making some changes in your daily habits can also help you manage your mood and well-being. These include:

• Getting enough sleep and keeping a regular sleep schedule
• Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs
• Exercising regularly and staying physically active
• Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises
• Seeking social support from friends, family, or support groups
• Reducing stress and avoiding triggers
• Following your treatment plan and taking your medication as prescribed
• Keeping track of your mood and symptoms and reporting any changes to your doctor

Outlook for bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment and care. However, with the right treatment and support, you can manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling and productive life. Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, relationships, and hobbies. Some famous people who have bipolar disorder include:

• Carrie Fisher, actress and writer
• Demi Lovato, singer and actress
• Stephen Fry, comedian and actor
• Catherine Zeta-Jones, actress
• Mariah Carey, singer and songwriter
• Kay Redfield Jamison, psychologist and author

The key to living well with bipolar disorder is to seek help when you need it, follow your treatment plan, and take care of yourself. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope and help available.

Frequently asked questions about bipolar disorder

Here are some common questions that people have about bipolar disorder and their answers:

Q: How can I cope with bipolar disorder?

A: Coping with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but there are some strategies that can help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life. Some of these include:

• Educating yourself and your loved ones about bipolar disorder and its treatment options
• Seeking professional help and following your treatment plan
• Taking your medication as prescribed and reporting any side effects to your doctor
• Keeping track of your mood and symptoms and seeking help when needed
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs, which can worsen your mood swings and interfere with your treatment
• Getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
• Exercising regularly and staying physically active
• Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises
• Seeking social support from friends, family, or support groups
• Reducing stress and avoiding triggers
• Setting realistic and achievable goals and rewarding yourself for your progress
• Finding healthy and enjoyable hobbies and activities that make you happy

Q: How can I support someone with bipolar disorder?

A: Supporting someone with bipolar disorder can be difficult, but there are some ways that you can help them and yourself. Some of these include:

• Learning more about bipolar disorder and its treatment options
• Being patient, compassionate, and respectful of their feelings and experiences
• Encouraging them to seek professional help and follow their treatment plan
• Helping them with practical tasks such as appointments, medication, or finances
• Listening to them and offering emotional support
• Being supportive of their goals and achievements
• Joining a family or caregiver support group
• Taking care of your own physical and mental health
• Setting boundaries and limits for yourself and the person with bipolar disorder
• Seeking help when you feel overwhelmed or stressed

Q: Can bipolar disorder be cured?

A: There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but it can be treated and managed effectively. With the right treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder can reduce the frequency and severity of their mood episodes, prevent relapse, and live a fulfilling and productive life.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that involves extreme shifts in mood and activity levels. It can affect how you feel, think, and behave in different situations. People with bipolar disorder may experience episodes of mania (high-energy moods) or depression (low-energy moods), or both. These episodes can last from days to months, and they can interfere with your daily life.

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that has many causes, types, symptoms, and treatments. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known yet, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Each type has different criteria and features, but they all share the common characteristic of mood episodes.

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is a guidebook for mental health professionals. To diagnose bipolar disorder, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, your family history, and any other medical conditions you have. They may also order some tests to rule out any physical causes for your symptoms.

The treatment of bipolar disorder is tailored to your individual needs and preferences. The main types of treatment are medication, psychotherapy, and other treatments. Medication can help stabilize your mood, reduce the frequency and intensity of mood episodes, and prevent relapse. Psychotherapy can help you understand and cope with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Other treatments can include electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and lifestyle changes.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment and care. However, with the right treatment and support, you can manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling and productive life. Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, relationships, and hobbies. Some famous people who have bipolar disorder include Carrie Fisher, Demi Lovato, Stephen Fry, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mariah Carey, and Kay Redfield Jamison.

The key to living well with bipolar disorder is to seek help when you need it, follow your treatment plan, and take care of yourself. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope and help available. If you have any questions or concerns about bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can provide you with more information and guidance on how to cope with bipolar disorder.