Bipolar Disorder
What is Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme changes in an individual’s mood and ability to function. Those with bipolar disorder experience intense mood episodes that usually occur for days or weeks. Mood episodes are categorized as either manic/hypomanic, an abnormally elevated and happy mood, or depressive, a sad and hopeless mood. People with bipolar disorder also have periods of neutral mood.
There are various types of bipolar-related disorders that may include mania, hypomania, and depression. Unpredictable changes in mood and behavior typically result in difficulty for daily life functions.
Types of Bipolar Disorder:
- Bipolar I disorder: At least one manic episode with episodes of hypomanic or major depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II disorder. At least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode, but never a manic episode.
- Cyclothymic disorder. At least two years of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms that are less severe than major depression.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder:
- Mania and hypomania episodes
Although mania and hypomania have the same symptoms, they are two different episodes, mania being more severe than hypomania. Mania may also trigger psychosis and require immediate treatment.
Both a manic and a hypomanic episode symptoms include:
- Abnormally upbeat and happy
- More energy or agitation
- Euphoria
- Decreased need for sleep
- Distractibility
- Poor decision-making
- Major depressive episode
Major depressive episode symptoms include:
- Sad mood, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- Loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in most activities
- Changes in appetite
- Either insomnia or sleeping too much
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide
Options for bipolar disorder:
- For medications, individuals may want to contact their physician to discuss potential options, which may include antidepressant medications.
- Counseling or psychotherapy by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist can be very beneficial.
- Alternative treatment procedures can also be considered and discussed with a physician, including:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
- Hospital or residential treatment may be needed if an individual cannot care for themselves or are an immediate danger to themselves or someone else.
