Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by mood swings or shifts in energy, thinking, behavior, and sleep. If you have this condition, you will experience depressive and manic episodes. Depressive episodes include low moods and decreased energy levels, while mania is associated with high energy and feelings of elation or irritability.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 150 adults live with bipolar disorder worldwide.[1] This makes the condition fairly common. That said, it can make everyday life and seemingly normal activities extremely difficult without treatment.
There are a few different types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic disorder.[2] Each type varies in symptoms, which means treatment might differ slightly depending on which form of bipolar disorder you experience.
At New Jersey Behavioral Health, we use evidence-based methods to help our clients manage their bipolar disorder. Treatment typically involves medication, individual therapy, and group counseling.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is bipolar disorder
- What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder
- What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder
- How is bipolar disorder treated
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can either be chronic or episodic. This means you could experience symptoms constantly or at irregular intervals. Either way, the symptoms of this condition can significantly impact your ability to cope with everyday life.
If you have bipolar disorder, you will experience periods of depression and mania or hypomania. Depressive episodes are characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness and low energy. Mania or hypomania causes increased energy, feelings of euphoria, or drastic mood swings like irritability, anger, and even paranoia.
There are three different types of bipolar disorder, including:[2]
- Bipolar I Disorder- This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by experiencing manic episodes that last at least 7 days or manic symptoms that require hospitalization. Separate depressive episodes occur as well, sometimes lasting up to 2 weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder- Bipolar II disorder occurs when you experience depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. To explain, hypomania is a less severe version of mania.
- Cyclothymic Disorder- This version of bipolar disorder is diagnosed when depressive and hypomanic episodes are not intense or long enough to be considered Bipolar I or II disorder.
What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary based on which version of the condition you have. If you are worried that you are experiencing bipolar disorder, the mental health specialists at New Jersey Behavioral Health can provide you with an in-depth assessment.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be broken down into three categories: depressive episodes, manic episodes, and hypomanic episodes.
The symptoms of a depressive episode can last up to 2 weeks and may include:[3]
- Feeling down, sad, hopeless, empty, or anxious
- Low levels of energy or restlessness
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Having a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
- Talking very slowly or forgetting a lot
- Losing interest in almost all activities
- Being unable to complete simple tasks
- Experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Manic episodes tend to last at least 7 days, might require hospitalization, and can include the following symptoms:[3]
- High mood, euphoria, elation, or extreme irritability
- Feeling jumpy or wired
- Experiencing a higher level of energy than usual
- Decreased need for sleep
- Talking quickly or experiencing a “flight of ideas”
- Impulsive behaviors like gambling, substance abuse, overspending, or risky sex
- Being able to do a lot of things at once without getting tired
- Feeling important, powerful, or talented
- Symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, hallucinations, and a detachment from reality
Hypomanic episodes are less severe than mania and may include symptoms like:[3]
- Having an abnormally high level of energy
- Feeling extremely happy or excited
- Getting less sleep but feeling well-rested
- An inflated sense of self-esteem
- Being more talkative than usual
- Having new and exciting ideas for your life
- Racing thoughts or jumping quickly from one topic to another
- Increase in impulsive behaviors like excessive spending, sexual activities, or substance abuse
What are the Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder?
While it is unknown what causes bipolar disorder, there are a few factors that can play a role in its development. First, genetics play a huge role in the development of this condition. If you have a first-degree relative (sibling or parent) who has bipolar disorder, you are more likely to develop it.
According to a study on bipolar disorder, estimates of heritability range from 44 to 90%.[4]
Other risk factors for bipolar disorder include:
- Differences in brain structure
- Traumatic head injuries
- Stressful events or major life changes
- Substance abuse
- Lack of sleep
If you engage in heavy drug or alcohol use and have a genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder, you could trigger the symptoms to onset. For example, 32.2% of people with substance-induced psychosis end up being diagnosed with either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.[5]
How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Bipolar disorder is treated using a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. When you attend a mental health treatment center like New Jersey Behavioral Health, the first step is getting you stabilized on medication.
Typically, bipolar disorder is treated using mood stabilizers or antipsychotics.[6] These medications lessen the frequency and intensity of both depressive and manic episodes. Some people experience a complete absence of symptoms when they are on medication for bipolar disorder.
In addition to medication, behavioral therapy is used to help you change negative patterns of behavior and thinking. For example, if your bipolar disorder causes you to experience impulsive behavior, therapy can help you learn how to consider the consequences before acting. Additionally, behavioral therapy can lessen the severity of depressive symptoms like self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Get Connected to Clinically Proven Bipolar Disorder Treatment in New Jersey
If you or a loved one suffers from bipolar disorder, New Jersey Behavioral Health is here to help. We offer PHP, IOP, and outpatient programs that include services like medications and therapy to address mental health conditions like bipolar disorder.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs for bipolar disorder in New Jersey.
References:
- The World Health Organization (WHO): Bipolar Disorder
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Bipolar Disorder
- Oregon Health Authority: Bipolar Disorder Diagnostic Criteria
- APA PsycNet: Genetic contributions to bipolar disorder: current status and future directions
- Psychiatry Online: Substance-Induced Psychosis Associated With Later Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Bipolar Disorder