Around 2.8% of adults in the United States are affected by bipolar disorder. Initially, that might not sound like a lot, but it translates to about 7 million individuals who are struggling with this condition. You may be living with bipolar disorder yourself, or you may know someone who is working on managing their condition. Whatever role bipolar disorder plays in your life, learning more about this mental illness and treatment options is an important step.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These mood swings include emotional highs, known as mania, and emotional lows, also called depression. There are a few different types of bipolar disorder, including the two most common diagnoses:
Bipolar I disorder: Individuals who are diagnosed with bipolar I have had at least one manic episode before or after a major depressive episode. In some cases, mania can cause a disconnect from reality, also known as psychosis.
Bipolar II disorder: Individuals who are diagnosed with bipolar II have had at least one hypomanic episode (slightly less extreme mania) and one major depressive episode.
There is a common misconception that bipolar II is just a less severe version of bipolar I. Actually, these are two separate diagnoses. People with bipolar I can certainly experience severe and dangerous manic episodes, which do not occur in people with bipolar II. However, those with bipolar II can be severely depressed for longer periods of time.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
When we look at the symptoms of bipolar disorder, we can break down these symptoms into those associated with mania and those associated with depression.
Symptoms of Mania
While mania and hypomania are different, they have similar symptoms that will be noticeable to outsiders. Manic episodes are more likely to interfere with everyday life, including relationships and work, and those experiencing mania might exhibit these symptoms more severely. A manic or hypomanic episode will include at least three of these symptoms…
Feeling more active, energetic, or irritable than normal
Feeling a distorted sense of well-being, including inflated self-confidence
Needing significantly less sleep than you typically do
Experiencing unusual talkativeness and talking quickly
Being especially prone to easy distraction
Making poor decisions that you would not typically make
Jumping from one topic to another or feeling like your thoughts are racing.
Symptoms of Depression
If you are experiencing a major depressive episode, these symptoms will be severe enough that they impede your ability to work or conduct everyday activities. A major depressive episode will include five or more of the following symptoms…
Having a depressed mood, which is characterized by feeling empty, hopeless, or tearful. This could also present as anger, hostility, and irritability in children or teenagers.
Losing interest in activities you typically enjoy
Unexpectedly losing or gaining a lot of weight, unrelated to diet or exercise
Sleeping either too little or too much
Moving more slowly than usual or, on the flip side, feeling restless
Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
Feeling excessively tired or having very low energy
Experiencing difficulty concentrating, staying focused, or making decisions
Thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide.
If you are thinking about suicide, get help immediately. You can call 988 to reach the national suicide and crisis lifeline, where you can anonymously connect with a trained volunteer. The helpline is available and staffed 24/7.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but there are a few different factors that interact in order to contribute to its development. These factors include…
Genetics: Bipolar disorder does seem to run in families, indicating that a genetic predisposition might be in play. However, not everyone who has a family history of bipolar disorder is guaranteed to develop the condition.
Environmental Factors: Stressful life events can trigger the development of bipolar disorder. These events might include trauma, loss, or substance abuse.
Brain Chemistry: Research shows that abnormalities in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or dopamine, can also contribute to the likelihood of an individual developing bipolar disorder.
Other Medical Conditions: Scientists have discovered that some other conditions, such as thyroid disorder and certain sleep disorders, can co-occur with bipolar disorder.
As of now, there is not one factor that is the definitive cause of bipolar disorder. It appears that the above factors work in tandem to increase the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder for certain individuals.
Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?
Genetics is just one factor at play in the development of bipolar disorder. Other factors include brain chemistry, environmental factors, and other medical conditions. Not everyone who has a family history of bipolar will develop the condition, but if it runs in your family, it is especially important to stay alert and look out for symptoms. If you suspect you might be struggling with bipolar disorder, it is important to mention any family history as you seek treatment from a licensed healthcare professional.
Paths to Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar disorder is generally considered a lifelong condition – it cannot be cured, but a combination of therapeutic techniques and medication management can help individuals address the symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
The first step in receiving treatment for bipolar disorder is getting an accurate diagnosis. In order to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you will need to work with a licensed behavioral health care provider in your state. You’ll likely complete both a physical examination and a mental health assessment to get an accurate picture of your condition.
After receiving a diagnosis of either bipolar I or bipolar II, your journey will likely begin with taking mood-stabilizing medications to reduce and manage your symptoms of depression and mania or hypomania. Your care team will likely include a few different medical professionals, who might be psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or psychiatric nurses. There are a number of different people who can help.
You may also engage in talk therapy or explore the benefits of psychotherapy as a part of your individualized treatment plan. All in all, the first step toward managing your bipolar disorder symptoms is reaching out to a trained provider for help.
Get the Help You Need With Bipolar Disorder
At Triumph Behavioral Health, we are a trusted Maryland wellness center specializing in many different mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, as well as schizophrenia, anxiety, PTSD, and more. No matter what you’re dealing with, we are here to help. If you are ready to take the first steps toward your better tomorrow, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At Triumph, we care.