Bipolar Disorder
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic-depressive illness) is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts go beyond regular mood swings and can seriously affect a person’s ability to function day-to-day.
Main Features of Bipolar Disorder:
People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of:
- Mania (or Hypomania)
- Feeling extremely “up,” elated, or irritable
- High energy and reduced need for sleep
- Racing thoughts, rapid speech
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Impulsive or risky behavior (spending sprees, unsafe sex, substance use)
- Hypomania is a milder form of mania that doesn’t cause severe impairment but is still noticeable.
- Depression
- Feeling very sad, hopeless, or empty
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Fatigue or low energy
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Types of Bipolar Disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder: At least one manic episode (which may be followed by depressive episodes). Mania is usually severe and may require hospitalization.
- Bipolar II Disorder: A pattern of hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes, but no full-blown mania.
- Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Milder mood swings that don’t meet full criteria for mania or major depression but last for at least two years (one year in children/teens).
Causes & Risk Factors:
- Genetics (family history)
- Brain structure and function
- Stressful life events
- Substance use
Treatment Options:
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed with the right treatment:
- Medication Management: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants.
- Therapy: CBT therapy help with managing symptoms and building coping strategies.
- Lifestyle Support: Sleep routines, avoiding drugs/alcohol, and maintaining a support system are crucial.
- Monitoring: Keeping track of mood changes can help prevent episodes or catch them early.
Let’s Work Together to Manage Bipolar Disorder—Not Let It Define You
Whether you’re a college student struggling to keep up, a parent worried about your child’s attention span, or an adult feeling overwhelmed by deadlines and disorganization—we can help.
