Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes. These mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic (abnormally happy or irritable mood) or depressive (sad mood). People with bipolar disorder generally have periods of neutral mood as well. When treated, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive lives.

People without bipolar disorder experience mood fluctuations as well. However, these mood changes typically last hours rather than days. Also, these changes are not usually accompanied by the extreme degree of behavior change or difficulty with daily routines and social interactions that people with bipolar disorder demonstrate during mood episodes. Bipolar disorder can disrupt a person’s relationships with loved ones and cause difficulty in working or going to school.

Bipolar disorder is a category that includes three different diagnoses: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

Bipolar disorder commonly runs in families: 80 to 90 percent of individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative with bipolar disorder or depression. Environmental factors such as stress, sleep disruption, and drugs and alcohol may trigger mood episodes in vulnerable people. Though the specific causes of bipolar disorder within the brain are unclear, an imbalance of brain chemicals is believed to lead to dysregulated brain activity. The average age of onset is 25 years old.

People with bipolar I disorder frequently have other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The risk of suicide is significantly higher among people with bipolar I disorder than among the general population.

• Bipolar I Disorder – People may experience depressive episodes that last at least 2 weeks, along with manic episodes that can require hospitalization and symptoms that last a week or longer. Some people experience a mix of mood symptoms (depression and mania) simultaneously.
• Bipolar II Disorder – This disorder is characterized by a sequence of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. This does not include, however, the very severe or week-long manic episodes that are typically seen in Bipolar I.
• Cyclothymic Disorder – This disorder is characterized by episodes of hypomanic symptoms as well as multiple episodes of depression that lasts at least two years.

People with bipolar disorder often experience episodes of very intense emotions, and disturbances in sleep patterns, and engage in uncharacteristic behavior when in a manic or hypomanic state.

You may also have bipolar disorder even if your symptoms appear less severe. For example, during a hypomanic episode, a person may feel fine and be able to keep up with daily life. Without proper treatment, however, people who have experienced hypomania may develop severe mania or depression.

Once your doctor has diagnosed you with Bipolar Disorder (I or II), you will discuss the best treatment plan. Treatments generally involve medication management.

You will need to discuss these treatment plans with your doctor as they will be the ones managing your treatment progress