We all feel shifts in our moods at times. All the same, some people experience changes in mood differently. For people with bipolar disorder, experiencing heightened emotions and depressive states are often then intense that they interfere with everyday life.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is both common and treatable.

If you or someone you dear has BD, a thoughtful and informed support system can help ensure symptoms are successfully managed.

Proceed Reading To Learn

  • The truth nearly bipolar disorder
  • How to recognize BD in yourself or others
  • How to successfully manage and care for it

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Previously called manic depression or manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious mental wellness condition that leads to shifts in mood. It consists of depressive states every bit well as episodes of mania.

During manic episodes, people feel as if they are on a "loftier" and take farthermost amounts of energy. In depressive episodes, people feel feelings of sadness or indifference.

In improver to changing moods, bipolar disorder causes shifts in focus and activity levels. People with untreated BD can struggle with conveying out daily tasks.

Approximately 10 million people in the U.Due south. have bipolar disorder. It impacts men and women equally.

BD can impact sleep, self-esteem, ambition, and concentration. People with bipolar disorder can too have physical wellness bug, such as migraines, high claret pressure, and eye attacks.

There are different types of bipolar disorders and like every individual living with it, the status can impact each person differently.

There Are Various Types of Bipolar Disorders

Though every form of BD leads to mood and free energy level shifts, each type of bipolar disorder has its own characteristics.

Bipolar I

Bipolar I is the "classic" blazon of bipolar disorder with both manic and depressive episodes present. Bipolar I is characterized by one or more manic episode that lasts for at to the lowest degree seven days or leads someone to seek medical care.

A manic episode involves very elevated or irritable mood. It may include increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, increased self-esteem, rapid spoken language, and changes in things like ambition and concentration.

People with bipolar I may too feel episodes of depression. Sometimes people experience both depressive and manic symptoms at the same time, which is chosen a "mixed episode."

Some people with BD also experience symptoms of psychosis during a manic or depressive episode. Psychosis, or loss of contact with reality, leads the person to be unsure of what'south existent and what's not.

Symptoms of psychosis include unusual beliefs or perceptions, like believing things that are not true or seeing or hearing things that others don't.

Both manic and depressive episodes stand for distinct changes in a person'southward mood and beliefs that negatively impact daily life performance.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II is defined by episodes of hypomania, or an unusually energetic state of mind that affects mood, thoughts, and behaviors. The manic episodes are not as severe equally in bipolar I. They may also be shorter in duration than manic episodes in bipolar I.

While less unremarkably experienced than in bipolar I, folks with bipolar II disorder may also experience psychosis.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Also called cyclothymia, folks with this condition tend to movement between episodes of depression and mania more quickly. The symptoms do non run into the criteria for bipolar I or bipolar Ii. There are yet episodes of depression and episodes of mania.

In Her Ain Words

As a participant in McLean'south Deconstructing Stigma campaign, Ashley shares her story of living with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens Is Not Uncommon

Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during subsequently teen years or early adulthood. Yet, symptoms of BD can often show upwards in young children.

It tin be difficult to tell whether teens are experiencing normal mood swings or showing signs of a serious mental health condition.

Information technology's of import for parents, caregivers, friends, and family unit members to lookout man for mood swings that differ from typical behavior. Behavioral changes tin be a sign of the onset of a mental health business.

The most important thing to do if you are concerned is to ask for help. Fifty-fifty if the child is not diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there may be another mental health issue that needs to be addressed.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

In order to lookout for signs of BD, it is important to understand who is at risk. Even though the exact crusade of bipolar disorder is withal being researched, there are a number of factors that contribute to a diagnosis.

Changes in Brain Structure and Functioning

The overall construction and function of the brain are dissimilar in people who have the condition. Information technology is possible that the way neurotransmitters laissez passer between neurons contributes to the development of the condition.

Genetics

Someone's family history could play a part in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. People who have one or more family unit members, particularly a parent or a sibling, with a diagnosis of BD are more at risk. Many genes are involved, and this is still an active area of research.

Coexisting Mental Health Problems

People who accept another mental health issue are more likely to develop bipolar disorder. These ofttimes include conditions such every bit low or anxiety.

Recognizing Bipolar Disorder in Yourself or Others

Simply like each person looks different, the condition tin vary from person to person.

Information technology is important to understand how bipolar disorder tends to present. It'southward non similar a light switch of emotions, as many believe it to exist. Symptoms of mania or depression may appear over the span of days, weeks, or even longer.

Some episodes may last for a twenty-four hour period or two while others may last for a week or longer.

To understand BD, information technology's important to understand the signs of manic and depressive episodes.

Some signs that someone is experiencing a manic episode include:

  • Feeling elated, loftier, or "up"
  • Feeling extremely irritable
  • A decreased need for sleep, sometimes going several days without sleep at all without feeling tired
  • Changes in appetite
  • Billowy quickly between thoughts
  • Risky behavior and poor judgment, such as spending large amounts of money, drinking excessively, or risky sexual behavior
  • "Grandiose" ideas where the person feels exceptionally talented, of import, or powerful

Since a manic episode can involve feelings of euphoria, it's not unusual for people experiencing mania to want the feeling to last forever. This likewise explains why many who are experiencing episodes of mania may not ask for help. However, the feeling of mania will end.

Some people with BD volition also feel one or more than depressive episodes. They may accept symptoms similar to major depressive disorder (MDD). Some of the almost common symptoms include:

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, or worried well-nigh of the mean solar day, almost every day
  • Taking longer than normal to consummate daily tasks
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in things they unremarkably relish
  • Major changes in slumber habits, either sleeping significantly more or sleeping significantly less than usual
  • Major changes in appetite, eating more than or less than usual
  • Speaking slowly, with the impression that they are having a hard time getting the words out of their mouth
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Taking a long time to complete uncomplicated tasks
  • Losing all interest in activities that once brought joy or pleasure
  • Thoughts of decease or suicide

Like manic episodes, depressive episodes eventually end. That said, sometimes the individual may go back to a land of mania.

Stock photo of hand holding other hands

It is also possible for people with BD to experience an episode that has mixed features of mania and low. People who accept such mixed states oftentimes have more serious and frequent symptoms.

Manic episodes and depressive episodes can vary in their degrees of severity. This is especially the instance with bipolar 2 or cyclothymia.

It'south of import to note that pregnancy can trigger the first episodes of bipolar disorder in women who are of childbearing age.

In some situations, people may not exist able to become to school or work. In others, people may exist able to continue daily activities fifty-fifty though they are experiencing serious symptoms.

Without proper handling, it is possible for these episodes to become worse over time. For case, episodes of hypomania may become episodes of full-blown mania if they are not taken seriously. For all of these reasons, people with bipolar disorder should seek aid from a trained mental health professional.

Even though symptoms can fluctuate over time, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment. It is possible for people to manage symptoms and ameliorate their overall quality of life.

Bipolar Disorder and Other Mental Illnesses

People with bipolar disorder fluctuate between mania and depression. Because it can expect similar other illnesses, it can be difficult to diagnose.

Folks diagnosed with BD may experience some other mental illness at the same time. Possibilities include eating disorders, feet disorders, or substance employ disorders.

People with bipolar disorder take an increased risk of developing other chronic medical conditions including diabetes, obesity, migraine headaches, thyroid disease, and heart disease.

Below are simply a few of the almost mutual conditions that may await like bipolar disorder or may manifest as boosted diagnoses. Anyone who has symptoms of these conditions should seek help from a trained medical professional person, mental wellness professional, or specialist.

Psychosis

It is possible for someone with bipolar disorder to experience psychotic symptoms. Psychosis refers to hearing or seeing something that is not there, known every bit hallucinations. Or the person may have behavior that cannot be truthful, known every bit delusions.

For case, people experiencing mania may falsely believe that they accept an countless supply of money, special powers, or that they are the most famous person in the world. During episodes of depression, people with BD may falsely believe that they take no money at all, have committed a heinous crime, or that they have a serious affliction that no one is able to diagnose.

Because of these psychotic symptoms, information technology is possible for someone with bipolar disorder to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Still, someone with schizophrenia must take symptoms of psychosis that are separate from manic and depressive episodes.

Feet

It is not unusual for someone with BD to as well be diagnosed with anxiety. In that location are many types of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and generalized anxiety.

Information technology is too possible for people with bipolar disorder to experience panic attacks. Panic attacks are episodes of ascent center rate, sweating, and rapid animate. People may besides experience feelings of impending doom during a panic assail.

ADHD

People with bipolar disorder may have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If someone is diagnosed with BD during their adult years, it is possible they may take outgrown ADHD during their childhood. In gild for someone to exist diagnosed with ADHD, they demand to have symptoms of hyperactivity and symptoms of attention-deficit.

Eating Disorders

Information technology is possible for people with bipolar disorder to exist diagnosed with an eating disorder likewise. The most common examples include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Rapid changes in appetite may also be a sign of depression or other conditions.

Substance Apply Disorders

It is not unusual for people with bipolar disorder to be diagnosed with substance apply disorders. For example, people with BD may misuse alcohol or drugs as a means to cope with their symptoms.

They may also engage in other risky behaviors that are more than common during manic episodes. Information technology is critical for someone with a substance use disorder to be screened for BD.

Run into Andy, He Has Bipolar Disorder

Learn more most bipolar disorder and how to get assistance at McLean OnTrack.

How Bipolar Disorder Is Diagnosed and Treated

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. While some people with BD may have a single episode of mania, often people experience more one mood episode.

If non treated, BD tends to get worse over fourth dimension with more frequent, more intense episodes.

The key is to treat the symptoms, so episodes can be managed. Between episodes, people with BD may be gratuitous from mood changes. Others may have lingering symptoms. Past sticking to a well-rounded handling programme, information technology is possible to manage symptoms finer.

To diagnose BD, a doctor may perform a physical examination and inquire questions to rule out other illnesses that may resemble bipolar disorder. To be diagnosed, a person must have at least one episode of mania and one episode of depression. A mental health professional will appraise symptoms, patterns in symptoms, and their severity to make up one's mind the blazon of bipolar disorder it may exist.

Similar to other mental health issues, bipolar disorder is treated through a combination of things, including medication, therapies, or a variety of other activities. In addition, developing healthy routines including regular slumber, exercise, and avoiding substance use are helpful for people with BD.

The foundation of successful BD treatment involves prescription medications and therapy. The vast majority of people who seek appropriate medical intendance make some caste of meaningful recovery.

Medications

Mood stabilizers are the foundation of BD handling. The 2 most common types are lithium and valproic acid, also called valproate.

It's important to keep in listen:

Inquire Questions

All patients should ask questions. Understand the risks and benefits of the medications you are taking. Remember that at that place are options available. If one medication is not working well, it may be possible to switch to another.

Share Your Details

Permit medical providers know if you are taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications. It's possible for medications to negatively interact with each other, and then please consult a professional and be honest nigh other medications y'all are taking.

Vocalization Your Concerns

If you lot have whatsoever concerns afterward starting the medication, no matter how small-scale, it is important to accomplish out to a medical provider. That fashion, the dose or the medication can be changed if necessary.

Follow Medical Communication

It is critical to avoid stopping use of a medication without speaking to a medical provider start. If y'all cease taking medication for bipolar disorder abruptly, yous may begin to experience BD symptoms again.

Stick to Your Regimen

All medications must exist taken consistently, as prescribed. The goal is to build upwardly a "steady state" of the medication in the bloodstream to finer manage symptoms.

The goal of medication is to not just stabilize the mood simply to reduce symptoms. Information technology is possible for prescriptions to foreclose or reduce the intensity of manic and depressive episodes down the line.

It is important for patients to remember information technology can take up to 2 weeks for mood stabilizers to become constructive. In addition, providers may prescribe an antipsychotic. Some of these medications tin start working within a few hours, simply some take several days—or weeks.

Medication is not a one-size-fits-all effort. Everyone reacts differently to prescription medications. They are an effective first-line handling that can work very well with psychotherapy.

Even when people are feeling well, medication must go along. Often people end taking medicine once they commencement feeling amend—but that's but a sign that it's working and should go along beingness taken.

Anybody responds differently to psychiatric medications so it may take time to find the right medication and the proper dose. Information technology is critical to make sure a mental health provider helps to manage medication usage.

In addition to mood stabilizers, singular antipsychotics, also called second-generation antipsychotics, are used. Some of the most common examples include olanzapine, aripiprazole, and paliperidone.

Providers may prescribe medication for symptoms in add-on to those caused by bipolar disorder.

Therapy

Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is the other major component of bipolar disorder handling. It can help people place the symptoms they experience. It can also identify positive behaviors and skills that may help people avoid episodes past recognizing symptoms and triggers.

In one case people acquire to cope with troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, they may exist able to better manage the status. Skills learned in therapy may reduce the frequency or severity of mood episodes and help people ensure their support arrangement is in identify and set in example their symptoms worsen.

One of the major focus areas when treating bipolar disorder is interpersonal skills. It is critical to teach people experiencing BD how to cope with rapid mood fluctuations. If they are able to identify when they are going to accept an episode of mania or depression, they tin amend prepare themselves and their loved ones.

Therapy too provides instruction, support, and guidance to family members. In some cases, family therapy tin can be an important office of treatment.

Family therapy may be more than helpful afterwards the treatment process has started. This is commonly handled on a instance-past-case basis.

Debunking Myths Nearly Bipolar Disorder

Even though BD impacts a per centum of the population, there are still many misconceptions about the illness.

Myth: Bipolar Disorder Only Affects Mood

Even though it involves severe mood states, it likewise impacts slumber, self-esteem, appetite, and concentration. BD also impacts physical wellness. It is associated with increased gamble of migraines and cardiovascular issues.

Myth: The Highs and Lows of the Condition Are the Same

This is not necessarily the case. Everyone has different episodes when it comes to bipolar disorder. For some people, the highs may be worse. For other people, the lows may be worse.

Myth: Bipolar Disorder Does Not Bear on Children

It is possible for children besides every bit adolescents to be diagnosed with BD. Symptoms can likewise show up during the elementary and center school years.

Myth: People With Bipolar Disorder Cannot Lead a Normal Life

This is a common stigma. Even though living with it is a challenge, it is possible for people to atomic number 82 full, rewarding lives.

Self-Care Is Important

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Thriving With Bipolar Disorder

It'south possible to alive a well-managed life with BD. Many have benefited from adding helpful habits into their handling plans.

Charting Mood Changes

People may non remember in that location is whatever rhyme or reason to when they feel episodes of mania and when they experience episodes of low. On the other hand, if they tin can recognize the typical rhythm of their mood, they may be able to manage their mood swings. In some situations, they can even predict when a new episode is going to happen and avoid it.

Sticking to a Routine

It is critical to build construction around school and work. If people help their bodies go into a rhythm, they may be able to avoid episodes downward the route.

Practicing Good Slumber Hygiene

Sleep is i of the almost important factors in coping with bipolar disorder. This means going to bed at the same time and waking up at the aforementioned time, fifty-fifty on the weekends.

Information technology is a good idea to avoid caffeine in the afternoon and stay away from screens before bed. That manner, people can fall comatose more easily.

Slumber deprivation is i of the biggest triggers of manic and depressive episodes. If people with bipolar disorder are able to avoid slumber deprivation, they may be able to reduce the frequency of their episodes.

Managing Stressors Effectively

Stress is another major trigger of episodes. If people are able to exercise appropriate stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, they may be able to avoid manic and depressive episodes. Stress management is i of the major focuses of bipolar disorder treatment.

Prescription medications and therapy are the foundations of BD treatment. However, handling should exist comprehensive and involve many of the lifestyle changes and suggestions mentioned above.

Bipolar Disorder Tin can Be Managed—Don't Lose Promise!

Trying to manage a new diagnosis—or an existing ane—can be challenging. The following may be helpful to make information technology seem less overwhelming.

  • Stick to the treatment procedure; information technology may have some time to achieve meaningful progress, but it's worth information technology
  • Continue all appointments and talk to your doc most all questions and concerns, particularly equally they relate to the treatment process
  • Accept all medications as directed and talk to your doctor if you demand a modify in treatment
  • Build a routine and stick to information technology; this includes practise, sleeping, and eating
  • Try to be patient; comeback takes fourth dimension and having stiff social back up tin can assistance
  • Stay away from alcohol and drugs every bit their use tin can influence brain connections, leading to mood swings

Even though bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, handling for it is effective. With management of the status, people can both control their symptoms and live healthy lives.

McLean offers world-course bipolar disorder care. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental illness, call u.s. today at 877.929.6892 to learn more virtually treatment options.

Desire More Info?

Looking for even more than information about bipolar disorder? Yous may observe these resources helpful.

Interesting Articles and Videos and More

Learn more than nearly bipolar disorder and what you lot can do if you lot or a loved 1 is displaying signs that they are having trouble managing their mental health.

  • Peer Counseling'southward Critical Role in Psychosis Treatment
  • Yale Hicks: His Journey to Becoming a Peer Specialist
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  • Ross J. Baldessarini, MD: Celebrating a Pioneer
  • Find access to all of McLean's bipolar disorder resources

Helpful Links

These organizations may also have useful information:

Depression and Bipolar Support Brotherhood
A nonprofit organization providing back up groups for people with depression or bipolar disorder, likewise every bit their friends and family. DBSA offers pedagogy, personal wellness tools, access to research studies, and assistance with finding the correct handling.

Low and Bipolar Support Alliance Boston
A nonprofit, self-assist support organization run by volunteers, for people who struggle with mood disorders, such every bit depression and bipolar disorder, and for family unit and friends.

Books Well-nigh Bipolar Disorder

Chemotherapy in Psychiatry: Pharmacologic Basis of Treatments for Major Mental Illness, third edition
by Ross J. Baldessarini
(Springer, 2013)

Living With Someone Who's Living With Bipolar Disorder: A Practical Guide for Family, Friends and Coworkers
by Chelsea Lowe and Bruce M. Cohen, Doctor, PhD
(Jossey-Bass/John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2010)