Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by extreme highs and lows in mood and energy. While everyone experiences ups and downs, the severe shifts that happen in bipolar disorder can have a serious impact on a person’s life. More than 3.3 million American adults suffer from bipolar disorder in a given year.
In bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness), episodes of depression alternate with episodes of mania, or a less severe form of mania known as hypomania. Mania is characterized by excessive physical activity and feelings of elation that are greatly out of proportion to the situation.
Contrary to how it is sometimes used in conversation, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder does not mean a person is highly emotional but rather refers to someone who experiences extended periods of mood and energy that are excessively high and or/irritable to sad and hopeless, with periods of normal mood in between.
It typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as an illness and people who have it may suffer needlessly for years.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania. Mental health care professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose the “type” of bipolar disorder a person may be experiencing.
To determine what type of bipolar disorder a person has, mental health care professionals assess the pattern of symptoms and how impaired the person is during their most severe episodes.
Depression is feeling so sad you can’t do daily activities or don’t want to do things you used to enjoy. Symptoms include:
● Feeling very sad
● Less interest in activities, even ones you used to enjoy
● Thinking and moving slowly
● Feeling hopeless and guilty
● Sleeping more than usual
● Seeing things that aren’t real
Mania is a state in which you have abnormally high energy and confidence, are easily distracted, and make risky decisions. Symptoms include:
● Feeling very confident and thinking you’re your best self
● Having lots of energy
● Getting irritated easily
● Sleeping less than usual
● Getting distracted easily and changing from one activity to another
● Taking part in risky activities, such as gambling or sex, without thinking about the effects
● Sometimes seeing and hearing things that aren’t real
People with severe mania (manic psychosis) may have symptoms such as:
● The false belief that they are special, such as that they are Jesus or a genius ● Thinking people are after them, such as being watched by the FBI
● Extreme activity, such as racing about, screaming and singing
● Not thinking or acting reasonably
Periods (episodes) of depression or mania come and go. In between, your mood may be normal. Episodes of depression and mania can last a few weeks or up to 6 months.
Four Types Of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder is an illness in which people have experienced one or more episodes of mania. Most people diagnosed with bipolar I will have episodes of both mania and depression, though an episode of depression is not necessary for a diagnosis. To be diagnosed with bipolar
I, a person’s manic episodes must last at least seven days or be so severe that hospitalization is required.
If you have bipolar 1 disorder, you have:
● At least 1 period of mania that prevents you from doing daily activities and that may include delusions (when you can’t tell what is real)
● Usually, periods of depression
Bipolar II Disorder is a subset of bipolar disorder in which people experience depressive episodes shifting back and forth with hypomanic episodes, but never a “full” manic episode.
If you have bipolar 2 disorder, you have:
● At least 1 period of less severe mania (hypomania)
● Periods of severe depression
However, some people have episodes that resemble a bipolar disorder but are milder and do not meet the specific criteria for bipolar I or II disorder. Such episodes may be classified as an unspecified bipolar disorder or cyclothymic disorder.
Cyclothymic Disorder or Cyclothymia is a chronically unstable mood state in which people experience hypomania and mild depression for at least two years. People with cyclothymia may have brief periods of normal mood, but these periods last less than eight weeks.
In cyclothymic disorder, relatively mild and short episodes of elation (hypomania) alternate with mild and short episodes of sadness (depression).
Cyclothymic disorder resembles bipolar disorder but is less severe. The episodes of elation and sadness are less intense, typically last for only a few days, and recur fairly often at irregular intervals. This disorder may develop into bipolar disorder or may continue as extreme moodiness.
Having cyclothymic disorder may contribute to success in business, leadership, achievement, and artistic creativity. However, it may also result in uneven work and school records, frequent
change of residence, repeated romantic breakups or marital failure, and alcohol use and other substance use disorders.
People with cyclothymic disorder need to learn how to live with the extremes of their temperamental inclinations. However, living with cyclothymic disorder is not easy because interpersonal relationships are often stormy. Getting a job with flexible hours or, for people with artistic inclinations, pursuing a career in the arts may make it easier.
Bipolar Disorder, “other specified” and “unspecified” is when a person does not meet the criteria for bipolar I, II or cyclothymia but has still experienced periods of clinically significant abnormal mood elevation.
Treatment
A combination of treatment interventions helps individuals with bipolar disorder to stabilize their mood and live the lives they want. Finding the treatment plan that works best for a person is critical for recovery.
Bipolar disorder is treated and managed in several ways:
● Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family-focused therapy. Both group and individual therapy can be helpful in bipolar disorder.
● Medications, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and, to a lesser extent, antidepressants.
● Self-management strategies, like education and recognition of an episode’s early symptoms.
● Support and self-help groups are invaluable resources for learning coping skills, feeling accepted, and avoiding social isolation. In addition to in-person support groups and drop-in centers, there are many online communities where individuals can also find support. Additional support can be provided through employment, housing, and psychosocial rehabilitation programs.
Bipolar disorder can be extremely distressing and disruptive for those who have this disease, their spouses, family members, friends, and employers. Although there is no known cure,
bipolar disorder is treatable, and recovery is possible. Individuals with bipolar disorder can and do have successful relationships and meaningful jobs. The combination of medication, therapy, a healthy lifestyle, and support, helps the vast majority of people return to productive, fulfilling lives.
Individual Online Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand life can be hard and can affect our emotional and mental health. We also serve those with anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship issues, who may be religious. Sessions can be held through online therapy in the states of Florida, Idaho, South Carolina or Utah, or walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida. Book an appointment or contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a more peaceful life.
