As a mental illness, bipolar disorder affects 2.8 percent of adults in the United States. Roughly five million people have been diagnosed with this condition. Mania or extreme mood swings and depression are two of the most common symptoms. This condition is also referred to as manic depression and bipolar disease. A manic episode often lasts for several weeks but can disappear in a few days.
Mood changes can occur a few times per year or can be rare. When mood shifts occur, the individual can become irritable, energetic or euphoric. These changes in mood often impact energy levels, behavior, sleep, activity, clear thinking and judgment. Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder often experience difficulties coping with work or school and many have problems with relationships.
Although there is currently no cure, the symptoms are generally manageable with a variety of treatment options. People usually begin to experience symptoms at around the age of 25. Medications and psychotherapy can help decrease or eliminate these symptoms.
Potential causes of this disease are currently being studied by researchers. The most common consensus is no single cause is responsible for bipolar disorder. Some of the factors contributing to this disease are defined below.
Certain studies indicate individuals with specific genes have a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder. Research also indicates the risk factor increases if the individual has a family member such as a sibling or parent with this disease. Many different genes are necessary to develop bipolar disease and this disorder is unable to result from just one gene. Researchers are studying the genes involved to help with the development of new treatments.
Other studies have shown the brains of individuals diagnosed with this condition are different than those without any mental illness including bipolar disorder. The scientific community believes understanding what causes these differences may be the key to determining why some treatments are more effective than others. Currently, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and the treatment is based on history and symptoms as opposed to diagnostic testing or brain imaging.
Women develop bipolar disorder at a more advanced age with a higher risk of being affected by the changing seasons. Women also suffer more mental and medical issues including anxiety disorders, migraines and thyroid disease. The risks increase due to trauma and high stress, specific health conditions and abusing alcohol or drugs.
There is a set pattern to mood swings. The same mood is experienced several times prior to changing to a different mood. This can occur over weeks, months or years. The severity is not the same for everyone with some experiencing more severe mood swings. Other symptoms include:
Mania Symptoms:
Depressive Symptoms:
There are several different types of medications that can be chosen to help out with bipolar disorder. Antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers are just the start. There’s several other options to assist as well.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is when the individual discusses the management of their condition with a therapist to understand how they are thinking and learns how to cope. This often goes hand in hand with psychoeducation. This type of counseling helps the individual and their family understand bipolar disorder. Once more information is available, the individual can manage the disease better.
IPSRT therapy is the regulation of daily habits including exercising, eating and sleeping. Once the basics are managed, the disease is easier to cope with. This goes hand in hand with some lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes often recommended for the management of bipolar disorder include:
