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Changes in mood, energy, and activity levels are common in people with bipolar disorder, and they can make day-to-day life difficult.
Bipolar disorder can create significant disruption in a person's life, but the impact varies depending on the individual. Many persons with this illness can live a full and productive life with the right treatment and care.
Bipolar disorder affects about 10 million people in the United States, or around 2.8 percent of the population, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
On average, a person will be diagnosed at the age of 25, however symptoms might occur throughout adolescence or later in life. It affects both men and women equally.
WHAT EXACTLY IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?
The basic symptoms of bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, are alternating spells of high and low mood. Changes in energy levels, sleep patterns, attention, and other characteristics can have a significant impact on a person's behavior, job, relationships, and other parts of life.
Most people experience mood swings at some point in their lives, but those associated with bipolar illness are more extreme than typical mood swings, and other symptoms may appear. Psychosis, which can involve delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia, affects some people.
In the months or years between episodes, the person's mood may be stable, especially if they are adhering to a treatment plan.
Many people with bipolar disorder may work, study, and live a full and productive life thanks to treatment. When treatment makes a person feel better, they may discontinue taking their medicine. The symptoms may then reappear.
Some parts of bipolar disorder can be enjoyable. They may notice that they are more friendly, conversational, and creative when they are in a good mood.
An heightened mood, on the other hand, is unlikely to last. Even if it does, it may be difficult to maintain focus or follow through on plans. This can make it tough to see a project through to completion.
TYPES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder is classified into three types: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia.
Bipolar I: The presence of at least one manic episode characterizes Bipolar I. Before and after the manic period, you may encounter hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes, or serious depression episodes. This kind of bipolar disease affects both men and women equally.
Bipolar II: Bipolar II patients have one major depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks. They also had at least one four-day hypomanic episode. This kind of bipolar disorder may be more common in women, according to a 2017 study.
Cyclothymia: Cyclothymia is characterized by periods of hypomania and depression. These episodes are characterized by symptoms that are shorter and less severe than those associated with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. The majority of patients with this illness only have no mood symptoms for 1 or 2 months at a time.
When you discuss your diagnosis with your doctor, he or she will be able to tell you more about the type of bipolar illness you have.
Some persons have specific mood symptoms that resemble but do not quite correspond to these three kinds. If this is the case for you, you may be given the following diagnosis:
- other bipolar and similar diseases that have been identified
- nonspecific bipolar disorder and associated disorders
SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you must have at least one episode of mania or hypomania.
Both involve sensations of enthusiasm, impulsiveness, and great energy, but hypomania is regarded milder than mania. Mania symptoms might interfere with your daily life, causing difficulty at work or at home. Typically, hypomania symptoms do not.
Major depressive episodes, or "down" moods, are experienced by some people with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is defined by three key symptoms: mania, hypomania, and depression. Different kinds of bipolar illness include various combinations of these symptoms.
Symptoms of Bipolar I
A diagnosis of bipolar I illness necessitates the following:
- At least one episode of mania lasting at least one week
- Symptoms that interfere with daily functioning
- Symptoms that are not related with another medical or mental health problem, or by substance abuse
You could also have psychotic symptoms, or both mania and depression (known as mixed features). These symptoms have the potential to have a greater influence on your life. If you do have them, you should get professional help as soon as possible.
While episodes of hypomania or depression are not required to earn a bipolar I diagnosis, many patients with bipolar I do report these symptoms.
Symptoms of Bipolar II
A bipolar II diagnosis requires:
- At least one episode of hypomania lasting four days or more and involving three or more hypomanic symptoms
- Changes in mood and normal function caused by hypomania that others can observe, however these may not have an impact on your daily life.
- At least one bout of serious depression lasting two weeks or more
- At least one major depressive episode involving 5 or more core depression symptoms that have a significant influence on your daily life
- Symptoms that are not caused by another medical or mental health problem, or by substance abuse
Bipolar II can cause psychotic symptoms, but only during a depressive episode. You can also have mixed mood episodes, which means you'll have symptoms of both despair and hypomania.
Mania, on the other hand, will not occur with bipolar II. If you have a manic episode, you will be diagnosed with bipolar I.
Symptoms of Cyclothymia
A cyclothymia diagnosis necessitates:
- Off and on, for at least two years, I have experienced bouts of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressed symptoms (1 year for children and adolescents)
- Symptoms that do not satisfy all of the criteria for a hypomanic or depressive episode
- Symptoms that occur for at least half of the two years and are never absent for more than two months at a time
- Symptoms that are not caused by another medical or mental health problem, or by substance abuse
- Symptoms that create severe anguish and interfere with daily activities
Cyclothymia is characterized by mood swings. These symptoms may be milder than those associated with bipolar I or II. Nonetheless, they tend to linger longer, so you'll have less time when you don't have any symptoms.
Hypomania may not have a significant impact on your day-to-day existence. Depression, on the other hand, frequently leads to more acute discomfort and interferes with daily functioning, even if your symptoms do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode.
If you ever have enough symptoms to match the criteria for a hypomanic or depressed episode, your diagnosis will very certainly shift to another type of bipolar disorder or major depression, depending on your symptoms.
MAJOR DEPRESSIVE EPISODES
A "down" shift in mood might leave you feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and depressed.
At least five of these symptoms will be present in bipolar-related episodes of significant depression:
- a persistent low mood characterized by profound sadness, pessimism, or thoughts of emptiness
- energy depletion
- a slower-than-usual feeling or persistent uneasiness
- a loss of interest in previously appreciated activity
- periods of little or excessive sleep
- a sense of worthlessness or guilt
- Having difficulty concentrating, focusing, and making decisions
- Suicide, death, or dying thoughts
- alterations in appetite or weight
Although not everyone with bipolar disorder has major depressive episodes, many do. Depending on the type of bipolar illness, you may just have a few signs of depression rather than the complete five required for a significant episode.
It's also worth mentioning that the exhilaration of mania might be nice at times, but not always. When you receive manic treatment, the symptom-free mood you experience may feel more like a "down" shift, or a period of depression, than a more usual mood state.
While bipolar disease can result in a gloomy mood, there is one significant difference between bipolar disorder and depression. You may experience "up" and "down" mood states if you have bipolar disorder. However, if you have depression, your mood and emotions may remain "low" until you receive treatment.
MANIA AND HYPOMANIA
An emotional high is common during a manic episode. You may feel eager, impetuous, euphoric, and energized. You may also feel jittery or notice your thoughts racing. Some people also have hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms.
Manic episodes might generate more impulsive conduct than usual, frequently because you believe you are invincible or untouchable. Examples of this type of behavior that are frequently mentioned include:
- having sexual relations without the use of a barrier method
- utilizing alcohol and drugs, or using them in greater quantities than normal
- going on shopping binges
However, impulsiveness and risk-taking can manifest in a variety of various ways. Perhaps you:
- unexpectedly leave your job
- go on a road trip by oneself without informing anyone
- make a large investment on the spur of the moment
- drive far faster than normal, far exceeding the speed limit
- take part in extreme sports that you would not normally consider
Hypomania, which is commonly associated with bipolar II disorder, shares many of the same symptoms, but in a milder form. Unlike mania, hypomania rarely causes problems at job, school, or in relationships. Hypomania does not include psychosis. They usually do not persist as long as mania episodes and do not necessitate inpatient care.
You may feel incredibly busy and energized when you have hypomania, but you may not notice any other changes in your mood. People who don't know you well may feel the same way. Those closest to you, on the other hand, will usually notice changes in your attitude and energy levels.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder in women vs. men
Bipolar disorder is diagnosed in nearly equal numbers of males and women. However, the primary symptoms of the disease may differ based on both your sex at birth and your gender.
Women with bipolar disorder are more likely to be diagnosed later in life, generally in their twenties or thirties. They may first detect symptoms during pregnancy or after childbirth in some circumstances. They are also more likely than bipolar I to be diagnosed with bipolar II.
Furthermore, women with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience:
- milder manic episodes
- a greater number of depressive episodes than manic episodes
- Rapid cycling, or four or more episodes of mania and depression in a calendar year
- increased occurrences of co-occurring conditions
Women with bipolar disorder may relapse more frequently, which may be attributed to hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Relapse in bipolar disorder refers to experiencing a mood episode after not having one for a long period of time.
Men suffering from bipolar disorder, on the other hand, may:
- obtain a diagnosis sooner in life
- experience fewer but more severe episodes, particularly manic episodes
- be more likely to suffer from a substance abuse issue
- demonstrate increased hostility during manic episodes
BIPOLAR DISORDER: CHILDREN AND TEENS
Diagnosis of bipolar illness in children is debatable, owing to the fact that children do not usually exhibit the same bipolar disorder symptoms as adults. Their moods and behaviors may also differ from the criteria used by doctors to identify the illness in adults.
Many symptoms of bipolar disorder in children overlap with those of other diseases that typically affect children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Doctors and mental health specialists have just recently begun to detect the illness in children. A diagnosis can help children get therapy, but it can take weeks or months to get one. It may be worthwhile to seek treatment from a professional who specializes in treating children with mental health issues.
Children with bipolar illness, like adults, have significant mood swings. They can appear quite happy and exuberant, or they can appear very tearful, low, and irritated.
Mood shifts occur in all children, but bipolar illness creates distinct and visible mood symptoms. Mood swings are also more intense than a typical mood swing in a toddler.
manic symptoms (Children)
Manic symptoms in children can include:
- acting ridiculously and being overjoyed
- talking quickly and shifting topics
- having difficulty focusing or concentrating
- attempting risky activities or experimenting with risky behaviour
- having a quick temper that results in outbreaks of rage
- having difficulty sleeping and not feeling fatigued after lack of sleep
Depressive symptoms (Children)
Symptoms of depressive episodes in children with bipolar disorder can include:
moping around, seeming depressed, or frequently sobbing
sleeping excessively or insufficiently
having little energy for normal tasks or displaying no interest in everything
expressing dissatisfaction with one's health, such as frequent headaches or stomachaches
sentiments of inadequacy or shame
consuming insufficiently or excessively
Suicidal or death-related ideas
Other probable diagnoses
Some of your child's behavioral concerns may be symptoms of another mental health disorder, such as ADHD or depression. It is also possible for youngsters to have bipolar disorder in addition to another diagnosis.
Your child's doctor can provide additional direction and support in documenting and tracking your child's actions, which can aid in the identification of the correct diagnosis.
The accurate diagnosis can help you choose the best effective treatment for your child. Of course, treatment can make a significant impact in your child's symptoms, not to mention their quality of life.
Teenage Symptoms
Teens may appear overly emotional at times due to hormonal changes and the life upheavals that come with puberty.
However, extreme or rapidly fluctuating mood swings may indicate a more serious disease, such as bipolar disorder, rather than ordinary adolescent development.
Bipolar disorder is most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence and early adulthood.
Mania in teenagers is characterized by the following symptoms:
- being ecstatic
- "acting out" or misbehaving
- taking part in dangerous behaviors, such as substance abuse
- thinking about sex more than normal
- becoming too sexual or sexually active
- having difficulty sleeping, showing no signs of exhaustion, or being tired
- having a very short fuse
- having difficulty remaining attentive or being constantly distracted
The following are common symptoms of a depressive episode:
- sleeping excessively or insufficiently
- eating excessively or insufficiently
- feeling depressed and displaying little excitement
- withdrawal from activities and relationships
- considering or discussing death and suicide
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms, such as substance abuse and sexual thoughts, are prevalent in adolescence. However, if they appear to be part of a larger pattern of shifting emotions or begin to interfere with their daily life, they may be an indication of bipolar disorder or another problem.
CAUSES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
Although bipolar illness is a very prevalent mental health issue, doctors have yet to discover why some people get it.
Bipolar disorder can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Genetics: You are more prone to get bipolar disorder if your parent or sibling has the condition. Keep in mind, however, that most people with a family history of bipolar disorder do not develop it.
Brain: The structure of your brain may influence your likelihood of getting bipolar illness. Irregularities in your brain's chemistry, structure, or functioning may increase your risk.
Environmental considerations: It's not simply what you eat that can influence your chances of developing bipolar illness. External variables can also play a role. These could include:
- severe strain
- traumatic encounters
- a bodily ailment
TREATMENT FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER
Several treatments are available to assist you in managing the symptoms of bipolar illness. Medication, counseling, and lifestyle modifications are among them. Some natural therapies may also be beneficial.
Medications
Medication recommendations may include:
- mood stabilizers, such as lithium (Lithobid)
- antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Antidepressant-antipsychotic medications, such as fluoxetine-olanzapine (Symbyax)
- benzodiazepines, a type of anti-anxiety medicine used for short-term treatment
Psychotherapy
Among the therapies that may be recommended are:
Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a sort of talk therapy that assists you in identifying and addressing unhelpful ideas as well as changing unwanted behavioral habits.
Therapy provides a safe environment in which to discuss solutions to manage your symptoms. Your therapist can also help you with:
- comprehending mental patterns
- re-framing upsetting emotions
- learning and putting more effective coping techniques into practice
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a therapy method that focuses on assisting you in learning about an illness and its treatment. This understanding can help you and the others who care about you spot early mood signs and manage them more successfully.
Interpersonal and social rhythms therapy
Interpersonal and social rhythm treatment is concerned with the regulation of daily behaviors such as sleeping, eating, and exercising. Balancing these daily need may result in fewer mood episodes and less severe symptoms.
Other methods that can help alleviate discomfort include:
- electroconvulsive treatment (ECT)
- sleeping pills
- supplements
- acupuncture
Is it possible to avoid it?
When you start having mood swings, you can take efforts to lessen the severity of those episodes and limit your chances of having more. However, it is not always possible to completely eliminate mood swings or to protect the illness from forming in the first place.
Future study may disclose more about the precise origins of bipolar disease and provide researchers with greater insight into potential treatments.
CONCLUSION
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong diagnosis, it does not have to entirely interrupt your life. While living with bipolar disorder can be difficult, following to your treatment plan, practicing regular self-care, and relying on your support system can improve your overall well-being and keep symptoms to a minimum.
Educating yourself and your loved ones on the condition can also be beneficial.