Bipolar disorder, which used to be called manic depressive disorder or manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood changes. People with the condition experience mood swings that range from euphoria to depression.
Many people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed with major depression because the depression symptoms of both conditions are the same. The key difference is that people with bipolar disorder also experience mania, or periods of unusually high energy.
The right diagnosis is important because the treatments for bipolar disorder and major depression are different. And some antidepressant medications that treat depression can make bipolar symptoms worse.
A mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment with medications and psychotherapy, says Cathrine Frank, M.D., a psychiatrist at Henry Ford Health. “Thanks to significant advances in care, people with bipolar disorder can lead full and productive lives.”
About 4.4% of people in the U.S. will have bipolar disorder during their lifetime. Doctors don’t know what causes it, but genetics play a role. “People with a parent or sibling with the disorder are at greater risk of developing it,” says Dr. Frank. “This same group is also at risk of developing major depressive disorder (depression).”
What Are The Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
People with bipolar disorder experience mood and behavior changes that result in periods of mania, hypomania and depression.
Mania
During a manic episode, a person may experience euphoria or extreme irritability. Manic episodes occur every day for at least a week. Symptoms may include:
- Being easily distracted
- Engaging in risky behaviors with poor judgment
- Feeling very energetic and talkative
- Having an inflated self-esteem or a feeling of grandiosity
- Having racing thoughts
- Needing less sleep
“On the surface, manic episodes seem pleasurable. However, people engage in activities that have serious consequences like gambling, spending sprees, recklessness or inappropriate sexual activity during manic episodes,” says Dr. Frank.
Hypomania
A hypomanic episode has symptoms similar to mania but doesn’t last as long (at least four days). Hypomania has less impact on daily functioning and well-being than mania, but still causes changes in mood and behavior.
Depressive episodes
People experiencing depressive episodes‚ which last at least two weeks, have five or more of these symptoms:
- Changes in eating patterns (losing appetite or overeating)
- Depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or focusing on a task
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) or excessive sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Fatigue, low energy and listlessness
- Feelings of guilt or anxiety
- Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide
Types Of Bipolar Disorder
There are three types of bipolar disorder, described by the types of episodes a person experiences:
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Bipolar 1
People with bipolar 1 have had at least one manic episode. Some may go on to have only depressive episodes, only manic episodes or both. Individuals with bipolar 1 can also have hypomanic episodes or experience mental breaks from reality (psychosis).
Bipolar 2
People affected by bipolar 2 never have manic episodes but experience at least one hypomanic episode and one depressive episode. Approximately 5% to 15% of people with bipolar 2 will develop bipolar 1.
How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder commonly starts in people in their teens or young adulthood (up to age 24). “Young people with bipolar disorder may begin to experience symptoms during major life changes, such as going to college or getting a first job. Some studies suggest that bipolar disorder diagnoses may also peak during mid-life—45 to 54,” says Dr. Frank.
She recommends seeking medical care if you suspect you have symptoms of bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists can assess your mental health. During an initial evaluation, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical and family history. Tell your doctor about how changes in your mood impact your daily life at school, work or home.
How Do Doctors Treat Bipolar Disorder?
“Bipolar disorder also increases a person’s risk of ending their life by suicide. That is why seeking care is so important. Treatment can also reduce the risk of future manic, hypomanic and depressive episodes and improve quality of life,” says Dr. Frank.
Treatment for bipolar disorder is based on the frequency, sequence and severity of symptoms. Your psychiatrist will develop an individualized treatment plan that may include medications, including mood stabilizers such as lithium and Depakote®. Second-generation antipsychotic medications, originally approved to treat schizophrenia, also effectively reduce bipolar symptoms.
Various psychotherapy techniques—cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and dialectical behavioral therapy—provide tools to help people with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms. Therapy helps build lifestyle habits that support mental health, such as managing insomnia, eating healthy meals and exercising to reduce anxiety. Therapy can also help recovery if you’ve engaged in destructive behaviors.
“Don’t hesitate to seek help if you suspect you have bipolar disorder or are experiencing mental health challenges. We are here to help and offer care to improve your overall health and wellness,” says Dr. Frank.
Reviewed by Cathrine Frank, M.D., a clinical psychiatrist and chair of psychiatry and behavioral health services at Henry Ford Health. She sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center – Troy.
