The disorder known for extreme shifts in mood, Bipolar disorder, is incredibly misunderstood. Although there are a few subtypes of bipolar, in general, it is a condition characterized by swinging from one side of the mood spectrum to the other for alternating periods. At one extreme, there is depression, the polar opposite of which is mania.
At least one episode of mania is necessary for a person to receive a bipolar diagnosis, even if they have been stable or even depressed for most of their lives. Most diagnoses occur in late teens and early adulthood. This article will look at the different aspects of bipolar disorder to try to help educate readers and give them a glimpse into this troublesome disorder.
Causes of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is 60-80% a result of genetics, but family history doesn't necessitate that all or any offspring will end up bipolar. Generally, like most psychiatric disorders, Bipolar can develop due to certain risk factors in life, such as the following.
- High stress or traumatic event
- Major life change
- Drug abuse
- Postpartum depression
- Medication side effects
A person may live a relatively functional life up until a major event that can set off the genes involved in bipolar disorder. In other cases, wherein a person may struggle from childhood with trauma or mental health concerns, bipolar can occur much earlier in adolescence.
As for medications, many times people can initially have recurrent depressive episodes, leading to a depression diagnosis and antidepressant prescription. In reality, they may be predisposed to bipolar, and the antidepressants can actually trigger their first manic episode.
After bipolar onset, taking antidepressants without a mood stabilizer can lead to rapid cycling, which is an overwhelming version in which an individual undergoes four or more episodes of mania or depression in a year.
Even further, mixed states can manifest, in which symptoms of both mania and depression overlap during the same episode, which is more dangerous, has less effective treatment options, and has a higher suicide rate.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
There are two types of bipolar disorders: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. In Bipolar I, an individual may have periods of depression and periods of full-blown mania. It's important to note that a depressive episode is not necessary to have Bipolar disorder, but it is more common than not. During a depressive episode, regardless of time length, a person may experience low mood, apathy, hopelessness, lack of interest in previous hobbies, low energy, sleeping too much or too little, suicidal ideation, and so on. A person must have at least one manic episode lasting at least a week. Symptoms of mania include:
- Elevated mood
- Grandiosity
- High, restless energy
- Low appetite
- Little need for sleep
- Psychotic symptoms
- Compulsive, excessive behavior (overspending, drinking, sexual acts, risky behavior)
As for Bipolar II, it involves depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomania has similar symptoms to mania, just slightly milder. However, hypomania can still impact one's daily functioning. For diagnosis, a person must have at least 3 symptoms for 4 days minimum.
Treating Bipolar Disorder
For optimal treatment, individual needs, episode lengths and frequency, and other health and environmental concerns must be taken into consideration. Generally, people with bipolar must be on some sort of medications to manage their symptoms long-term. Medications include:
- Mood stabilizers
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
Other than medications, people with bipolar usually have to implement consistent lifestyle changes to live a more functional life. That means being on the lookout for and actively avoiding potential triggers. Common triggers of mania or hypomania can include coffee, alcohol, drugs, seasonal changes, high stress, lack of sleep, or significant life changes. Lifestyle changes for bipolar treatment include:
- Consistent sleep schedule
- Avoidance of drugs and substances
- Healthy stress-relieving habits
- Techniques to calm down at the initial stages of a manic episode
During a manic or even hypomanic state, it's recommended that you check yourself into a hospital as soon as you or a loved one can recognize the signs. To support someone with bipolar, it's important to be open to learning about the disorder to be more understanding. Learning more about bipolar helps in identifying another's signs and helping them manage episodes.