Bipolar Disorder Definition, Diagnosis & Treatment

Bipolar Disorder Overview

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings. This condition includes emotional highs and lows. When depressed you may feel sad or helpless and may also lose interest in day-to-day activities.

People with this mental condition experience high and low moods which are referred to as ‘Mania’ and ‘Depression’.

When your mood shifts to mania, you may feel overly excited and sometimes irritable. These changes in moods can disturb your sleep pattern and affect energy, behavior, and also thinking ability.

Although bipolar disorder is a long-lasting condition. But the changes in mood can be managed through a proper treatment plan.

Is Bipolar Disorder Genetic?

The root cause of bipolar disorder is not known but scientists confirm that it has a genetic component.

Some studies also suggest that there are many factors that contribute to producing abnormal function of brain cells. These results in the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Examples of environmental factors are stress, alcohol intake, and lack of sleep.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorder. All types involve changes in moods, thoughts, and energy levels.

Bipolar I

In bipolar I disorder, people may experience more manic episodes. It may be followed by episodes of mania or major depression. To be diagnosed with this condition, manic episodes must last at least 7 days. Bipolar disorder I affect women and men equally.

Bipolar II

It is about the patterns of hypomanic and depressive episodes. It does not include the full manic episodes typical of Bipolar disorder I.

People with bipolar disorder II also have at least one episode of hypomanic that can last about 4 days. Bipolar II disorder is more common in women than men.

Cyclothymia or Cyclothymic Disorder

It is defined by the periods of hypomanic and the symptoms of depressive disorder. The symptoms of the cyclothymic disorder usually last for about 2 years. But the symptoms do not meet the requirements of a depressive episode and hypomanic episode.

There is also a possibility that a person may experience symptoms that do not match the above types. These are known as ‘Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar Disorder.’

Typically, Bipolar disorder is diagnosed in the teen years or in early adulthood. Although the symptoms may change over time, they usually needed lifelong treatment. But following a proper treatment plan can help in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar is a common but serious mental health disorder. But to find the exact cause is still a mystery to researchers and doctors. It is still not clear why some people develop this condition while others do not.

The possible causes of bipolar disorder are mentioned below.

• Genetics

  You are more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder if your parent or sibling has this condition. However, it is not necessary that all people will develop this condition if they have bipolar disorder in their family history.

• Biological differences

  It is believed that people struggling with bipolar disorder may have some physical changes in their brains. The reason for these changes in the brain is still unknown but may help pinpoint the major cause.

• Other factors

  It is not just about genetics and your body that can be the reason for developing bipolar disorder. There are many other factors that can also contribute such as:

  • How a person handles stress also play a role in developing this condition
  • Traumatic events also put a person at the risk of developing this illness
  • Physical illness can also be the cause of the bipolar disorder

  Any of the above factors could also be a reason for developing bipolar disorder. There is also a possibility that a combination of factors can contribute to the development of this condition.

Bipolar Disorder Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms and how severe they are may vary. People with this condition may experience different manic or depressed episodes but may also experience extended episodes without prominent symptoms. They may also experience both episodes in a rapid sequence.

Severe symptoms include delusions or hallucinations. Usually, these psychotic symptoms show the extreme mood of the person. People suffering from bipolar disorder who show extreme psychotic symptoms are sometimes wrongly diagnosed as having schizophrenia. It is a complex, long-term mental illness.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Men

Both genders may experience common symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, some symptoms in men are different than in women.

• Men may be diagnosed earlier in life
• They may experience manic episodes
• They can act out during manic episodes

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Women

Men and women who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder are the same in numbers. However, the symptoms may differ between men and women.

• Women are diagnosed later in their early 20s and 30s
• They may experience milder episodes
• Have at least 4 manic and depressive episodes in a year
• Experience certain conditions such as obesity, thyroid disease, anxiety, and migraines.

Women are more likely to seek medical treatment for bipolar disorder and they are also less likely to die by suicide.

Bipolar Disorder Test

There is not a specific test for diagnosing bipolar disorder. Instead, the doctor may use one or a combination of the following tests and exams.

Physical Examination

Your mental health provider will do a proper physical examination. This may also include blood and urine tests in order to find out the possible causes of such symptoms.

Mental Health Test

Your doctor may also recommend you to consult with a medical health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. They help in diagnosing and treating problems related to mental health. They will then evaluate your condition and look for symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Mood Journal

Your doctor may ask you to create a mood chart if your behavioral changes are because of bipolar disorder. The best way to do this is to keep a journal to make a record of how you are feeling.

Diagnostic Criteria

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders outlines the symptoms of various mental health problems. Doctors can also refer to this list to confirm the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

In addition to these, doctors can also use other tests and tools in order to diagnose bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

The following are several treatments that can be used to manage bipolar disorder.

Medications

Certain medications can help in coping up with bipolar disorder symptoms. People with bipolar disorder may need different medications. And also consult with their doctor to decide on medications that work best.

The recommended medication for bipolar disorder generally include:

• Mood stabilizers
• Antidepressant-antipsychotics
• Second-generation antipsychotics
• Anti-anxiety medication

Doctors usually prescribe antidepressants to treat depressive episodes, combining antidepressants with mood stabilizers in preventing manic episodes.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is also one of the most effective ways of treating bipolar disorder. It is also called ‘Talk Therapy’ that aims to help a person recognize and change troubling emotions. It can also provide the needed help and guidance to people struggling with bipolar disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and Psychoeducation are used in managing various conditions.

Newer treatments are also coming for the treatment of Bipolar disorder. It includes Family-Focused Therapy and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT).

Identifying whether intensive psychotherapeutic intervention at the beginning of bipolar disorder can limit the extreme episodes is the key part of the ongoing research.

ECT

Another treatment that is useful in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder is electroconvulsive therapy. It is basically a brain simulation procedure that helps people relieve severe bipolar disorder symptoms.

In ECT, a person with bipolar disorder goes through a number of treatment sessions. ECT is completely safe and delivered under anesthesia. It is an effective way to treat severe manic and depressive episodes that occur when a person does not show any progress with general medication and psychotherapy.

TMS

Another treatment is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) but more research is needed in order to determine its effectiveness.

It is relatively a new approach that utilizes magnetic waves. It is delivered to an awake person most days in a month. A recent study shows that this treatment is very helpful with various subtypes of depressive episodes. But its main role in treating bipolar disorder is under study.

Supplements

It is also believed that some specific supplements are also helpful in managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder. But research is also ongoing in order to understand the effectiveness of these supplements in treating bipolar disorder.

It is important for the doctor to know about all the prescribed drugs, supplements, and medications a person is taking. Keep in mind that certain medications and supplements used in combination can cause unwanted effects.

Things You Can do Beyond Treatment

There are certain things other than general treatment that prove to be effective in treating the symptoms of bipolar symptoms.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or bicycling helps in treating anxiety and depression. Regular exercise helps better sleep and is good for overall health.

Anaerobic exercises such as yoga, pilates, and weightlifting can also be helpful. Make sure to consult with your mental health professional before you start any new exercise.

Life Chart Method

Mood changes can occur even if you are following a proper treatment plan. Treatment is more effective when both a patient and doctor work together in treating bipolar disorder symptoms.

A life chart to keep a record of daily mood, daily activities, and sleep patterns. It can help a patient and doctor track bipolar disorder over time. It is also easy for patients to share data with their doctors through smartphone apps.

Keeping a Pet

A pert can also be a huge help in soothing the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Medical specialists say that pets are of great benefit for people with serious mental illness. They can help build a sense of self-worth and confidence in people with these mental conditions. An emotional support animal is one such animal that provides comfort to people with any kind of mental disorder.

• They provide a sense of being understood and unconditional love that can restore empathy in a person.
• These animals enable people to feel more connected with the world.
• Emotional support animals also create a sense of family for the person with mental disorders such as bipolar disorder.

Animals are quick in recognizing the changes in human behavior. They provide ease and companionship during the hard times. They encourage people to interact with the outside world and provide opportunities to socialize and participate in physical activities. This can eventually lead to the production of endorphins - chemicals produced by the body to relieve stress and pain.

Emotional support animals provide a sense of purpose and motivation to the person struggling with bipolar disorder. You might also need an emotional support animal letter to state that ESA is an important part of your well-being.

See if you can qualify for ESA.