FAQs

The resources provided on this page are intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by shifts in mood that can affect sleep, activity levels, behavior, cognitive abilities, and judgment. There are four types of bipolar disorder:

– Bipolar I:
A mix of manic and depressive episodes. Manic episodes typically last at least seven days; during a manic episode, some people may require hospitalization. Depressive episodes are longer, lasting two weeks or more. An exception is those who experience ‘rapid cycling,’ or four or more episodes of mania or depression within one year.

– Bipolar II:
A pattern of hypomanic (milder mania) and depressive episodes. Similar to bipolar I but may have longer depressive episodes.

– Cyclothymia:
Frequent mood swings between hypomanic and depressive episodes over a period of two years. A less intense form of bipolar disorder I and II.

– Unspecified bipolar:
Both elevated and depressive moods but symptoms don’t fully meet the criteria for other types of bipolar disorder.

Symptoms can vary from person to person but they generally include:

 

ManiaHypomania Depression 
Little need for rest and sleepDecreased need for rest and sleepChanges in sleep patterns; sleeping too much
Racing thoughts and increased energy Higher energy than normal, but not as intense as in mania

Low energy, fatigue, or 

being slowed down

Risky, aggressive, or destructive behavior; may require hospitalizationRisk-taking behavior may be present; does not typically require hospitalizationLoss of interest in things that you once enjoyed
Euphoria or extreme irritabilityEuphoria or mild irritabilityFeeling restless or irritable
Significant impairment of functioning; may experience psychosis Milk impairment of functioning; rarely includes psychosisInability to focus, think, or make decisions

A psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health professional will assess symptoms, frequency, patterns, and severity to make a diagnosis.

The average time between first symptoms and diagnosis of bipolar disorder is between 5 and 10 years. Symptoms can overlap with other mood disorders like major depression and borderline personality. In addition, many people with bipolar disorder have other mood disorders, like anxiety or eating disorders, which can make it hard to reach a correct diagnosis. In adolescents, bipolar disorder is often confused with normal teenage mood swings, which also can delay diagnosis

Bipolar disorder is not rare. In fact, about 5.7 million adult Americans are affected every year – roughly 2.6% of the US population age 18 and older.
Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, but it typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, with 25 being the median age of onset.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. However, various risk factors may contribute to the development of the disorder. Bipolar disorder is linked to chemical imbalances in the brain, which can be caused by genetic predisposition, stressful life events, medical conditions (such as thyroid issues), or the use of certain medications. Family history is another risk factor. People with a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop it than those with no history of the disorder.
There is no cure for bipolar disorder. However, with consistent therapy and an effective medication regime, people with bipolar disorder can live full and productive lives. Support from family and friends can also help those affected by the disorder.

Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

– Medication:
There are several medications that can be quite effective in preventing or lessening episodes. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed. Usually, people with bipolar disorder take a combination or multiple medications. It’s also common for people with bipolar disorder to try multiple medications before finding the ones that work best for them. Speak with a trusted health care professional about the options available and appropriate for you.

– Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, especially when used in tandem with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are especially helpful for people with bipolar disorder. These therapy modalities are offered individually or in a group setting.

– Lifestyle changes:
Factors such as good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, in combination with psychotherapy and medication, can be helpful for preventing or reducing symptoms of bipolar disorder.

– Other treatments:
In more rare cases, people may find other treatments helpful, like electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Others may require hospitalization.

References

Bipolar disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder

Bipolar Disorder Statistics – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. (2019, July 12). Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-statistics/