What Is Bipolar Disorder?
What Is Bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, ranging from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to deep lows (depression). These shifts in mood can affect energy levels, sleep, activity, and decision-making. While these episodes can happen at any time, stress or lack of sleep often trigger them. With proper treatment, many people with bipolar disorder live fulfilling lives. It’s more common than you might think, affecting about 1 in 150 adults.
What causes Bipolar Disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe it’s related to changes in brain chemistry, specifically imbalances in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Genetics also play a role — if you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, your risk of developing it is slightly higher (about 5-10%).
What’s the difference between Bipolar Disorder I and Bipolar Disorder II?
Bipolar I and Bipolar II are two types of bipolar disorder. In Bipolar I, manic episodes are more severe and can last more than a week, often requiring hospitalization. These episodes can be intense, with symptoms like extreme energy, risky behavior, and trouble sleeping. Bipolar II involves less severe manic episodes, called hypomania, alongside periods of depression. Both forms of bipolar disorder are serious, but they affect people in slightly different ways. To be diagnosed with Bipolar I, you don’t need to have both mania and depression—just one manic episode is enough for a diagnosis by a qualified medical provider.
What is cyclothymic disorder?
Cyclothymic disorder is like a milder version of bipolar disorder. People with this condition experience mood swings that don’t fully meet the criteria for hypomania or major depression, but the symptoms still last for at least two years. It’s less intense but can still disrupt daily life.
What’s the difference between Bipolar Disorder and being “moody”?
Everyone has ups and downs, but bipolar disorder is much more extreme. Being “moody” can mean feeling happy or sad based on life events, but bipolar disorder involves changes in emotion, energy levels, and thought patterns that are much more intense and last longer—days, weeks, or even months. These shifts can make it hard to function at work, school, or in relationships. Bipolar disorder is not just about feeling happy or sad; it involves episodes of mania or hypomania and depression that need medical treatment.
What symptoms might I experience if I have Bipolar Disorder?
During mania, symptoms can include racing thoughts, impulsiveness, feeling overly confident, trouble sleeping, and engaging in risky behaviors like spending too much money or being overly sexual. In a depressive phase, symptoms might include feeling exhausted, losing interest in activities, sleeping too much or too little, feeling guilty, and even having thoughts of suicide. If you ever have thoughts of suicide, call 988 or go to your local emergency department.
Are there treatments for Bipolar Disorder?
Yes, there are many effective treatments for bipolar disorder. Medications like mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants can help manage the symptoms. Finding the right combination of medications can take time, and it’s common to try a few different options before finding what works best. Different people might respond to different medications, and it’s common to require multiple medications to feel your best. Hospitalization may be necessary during severe manic episodes to ensure your safety and the safety of others, but it’s a normal part of treatment and nothing to be ashamed of.
If medications aren’t enough, other treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can be effective, especially for people who haven’t responded to other options. ECT is safe, even for pregnant or older individuals, and can provide relief for those with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. You can learn more about ECT here.
The key takeaway: Bipolar disorder is treatable. If one treatment doesn’t work, don’t give up—keep working with your doctor to find what’s best for you. Sticking to your treatment plan can help manage symptoms, prevent relapses, and reduce hospitalizations. There’s always hope and you are never truly alone.
Here’s what people who live with Bipolar Disorder want you to know:
“If you’re reading this, there are masses of affirmations and pieces of advice I wish to leave you with. But I will summarize by saying: if you’re reading this, it’s okay to be bipolar.”
- Elena N. (University of Virginia)
“I want to make it clear, bipolar disorder looks different in everyone. For me, I experience an increase in goal-oriented activities, lack of sleep and appetite, racing thoughts and excessive speech as well as irritability and intrusive thoughts. After I eventually crash, I go through a long period of severe, inconsolable depression.”
- Amy T. (University of Virginia)
“I was shocked and confused when I found out I was bipolar and had to leave my friends and freshman year behind. But something miraculous came out of this experience. I found a deeper faith in God and I discovered songwriting. Sometimes in the darkest times you are able to discover the most important things about yourself.”
- Mary K. (Virginia Commonwealth University)
What does a psychiatrist want you to know about Bipolar Disorder?
“Patients with bipolar disorder can be thrown into manic states when a traumatic or emotional event happens to them. It is important to handle these situations with grace and remember they are human just like anyone else. It is important for them to have access to care, especially in these moments.”
- Dr. Sarah Bengeloun, MD, Psychiatry Resident Physician
Where to go for help with bipolar disorder:
Your primary care physician (these are typically doctors specializing in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine).
A psychiatrist (a doctor specializing in Psychiatry).
A psychologist (a mental health provider with a PhD or PsyD degree), therapist, or counselor (note that these providers cannot prescribe medications but can provide valuable interventions such as therapy).
With all that being said, this is your reminder that you don’t need to be a psychiatrist or psychologist to discuss your mental health or to be an empathetic ear to a friend. All you need is an open mind.
When should I go to the doctor?
If you experience multiple of these symptoms (distractibility, impulsivity, increased goal directed behavior and self esteem, racing thoughts, increased activities or agitation, insomnia, and talkativeness).
If any of your symptoms cause you distress or impair your day-to-day functioning.
Any thoughts of suicide should prompt emergency treatment. Please call/see your physician, call 988, or visit your local emergency department if you have any thoughts of suicide.
Immediate medical attention is crucial if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others. Please contact your healthcare provider, dial 988, or visit the nearest emergency room if you're in crisis.
How do I find a provider that takes my insurance/form of payment?
Visit your insurance provider’s website and locate the provider finder page. This should assist you in finding care in your area that accepts your insurance.
Call your insurance provider to have them assist you in finding a provider in your area.
Use FindTreatment.gov.
See “Mental Health Providers: Tips on Finding One” for more tips and suggestions.
Life can be challenging, and living with bipolar disorder is much more common than you might think. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There’s strength in seeking support, and there’s always someone ready to listen and help.
what people with Bipolar Disorder have to share with you:
Where can I learn more?
Wondermind, Here’s What Bipolar Disorder Actually Is (and Isn’t)
SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration), Bipolar Disorder
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Bipolar Disorder
What resources are available?
There are online and in person support groups available.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a helpline and email for support.
You can join a forum called The Mighty to join the conversation on Bipolar Disorder.
Mental Health America offers a crisis line and more educational readings.
The National Institute of Mental Health maintains a list of resources.
Disclaimer: The information above is intended to provide education regarding bipolar disorder. It is not medical advice and should not be used for medical diagnosis. For questions regarding diagnosis, treatment, and more regarding any mental health conditions, contact a mental health professional.
Published: September 9, 2024. Updated: October 11, 2024.
Written by: Tillie Schumann (Medical Student), Edited by: Alexandra Lawlor (Medical Student) and Nick Wright (Professional Research Associate).
References:
Brieler JA, Keegan-Garrett E. Diagnosis and Treatment of Bipolar Illness in the Primary Care Office. Mo Med. 2022 May-Jun;119(3):213-218. PMID: 36035565; PMCID: PMC9324725.
Howland, M., & Sehamy, A. (n.d.). What are bipolar disorders?. Psychiatry.org - What Are Bipolar Disorders? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders
Jain, A. (2023, February 20). Bipolar disorder. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558998/
Le, Tao and Bhushan, Vikas. First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK, Eleventh Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2023.
If you’re reading this, I believe in you.