Bipolar Disorder is characterized by unusual swings in mood and activity that include emotional highs followed by a significantly lower period or episode.  The National Institute of Mental Health says that, “Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.”  Periods of emotional high are called manic or hypomanic episodes and the low periods are referred to as depressive episodes, thus the former name for the disorder.  Manic periods can last for days or weeks, as can the depressive periods.  They may occur only once a year or they may occur closer together.  These mood swings usually make daily life difficult because they often affect sleep patterns, energy and activity levels, your judgment, and the ability to think clearly so that your behavior is changed.

Bipolar disorder is not rare.  In the United States, 2.8% of the adult population has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, about 5 million people.  The average age of diagnosis is 25, but symptoms often begin occurring during the teenage years.    

 

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms 

Unless a person is experiencing an extreme manic episode, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be difficult to identify.  Everyone has good times and bad.  For a person with bipolar disorder things are intensified and prolonged.  

There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.  The Mayo Clinic describes them this way:

• Bipolar I disorder. You’ve had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).
• Bipolar II disorder. You’ve had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but you’ve never had a manic episode.
• Cyclothymic disorder. You’ve had at least two years — or one year in children and teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression).

Mania and hypomania are similar in symptoms, but mania is more severe than hypomania.  To be considered a manic or hypomanic episode at least three of the following symptoms must be maintained: 

• Abnormally upbeat energy or excitement
• Euphoria (exaggerated self-confidence and sense of well-being)
• Less sleep is needed
• Unusual talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• High distractibility
• Poor or dangerous decision making with finances or health

A diagnosis is often made when behavior during an episode causes hospitalization or when symptoms last for a week or more.  

People are often more willing to seek help during a major depressive episode. Some people with bipolar disorder do not experience major depressive periods, but they do experience times of much lower mood than during their manic periods.  Many others experience major depressive episodes.   A major depressive episode will include at least five of the following symptoms:  

• Sustained sad or hopeless feelings
• Significant loss of interest or pleasure in formerly enjoyable activities
• Significant weight changes
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Slowed behavior or restlessness
• Fatigue
• Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
• Indecisive or scattered thinking
• Suicidal thoughts, plans or actions 

 

Bipolar Disorder Test

There is no medical bipolar disorder test.  A doctor can rule out other causes of your symptoms with medical tests.  A bipolar diagnosis is based on a combination of factors and can only be made by a professional. 

Bipolar disorder can, however, be treated. 

 

Bipolar Disorder Treatments

The actual cause for bipolar disorder is unknown. Because bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder and our brains are structured similarly but work uniquely, an effective treatment plan is unique to each person.  Bipolar disorder is a lifelong disorder, but even those with the most severe symptoms can be helped.  Most often a combination of medications and psychological counselling are effective in managing bipolar disorder.  Therapy for bipolar disorder is unique to each individual as well.  

Exercising, eating well, and avoiding addictive substances are all important for those with bipolar disorder.  The effectiveness of certain supplements and the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are being explored as possible new treatments for bipolar disorder.

Focus and Balance can develop the right treatment plan for you. Contact us today for a consultation.