Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows. Bipolar disorder causes the individual to feel unusual shifts in mood, energy, concentration, activity levels, and the ability to sustain daily functioning. Learning the facts about bipolar disorder is crucial if you want to understand the illness and ultimately know how to help those suffering. It is important to recognize no two people with bipolar disorder have the same experience. Still, some commonalities and symptoms can assist in diagnosing bipolar disorder and treating it.
There are three different types of Bipolar Disorder. All three types have similar symptomology in the way they affect energy, mood, and activity levels.
There are three different types of Bipolar Disorder. All three types have similar symptomology in the way they affect energy, mood, and activity levels.
The mood swings associated with Bipolar Disorder often range from periods of extreme joy, irritability, or have very high energy levels to then shifting dramatically to feelings of severe hopelessness, apathy, and depression. The periods of elation are known as manic episodes, while the periods of despair are referred to as episodes of depression.
For people who have BD, mood swings may be rare or occur multiple times a year. Most people diagnosed with BD do experience some emotional symptoms between serious episodes; some do not. BD is a lifelong condition that can be diagnosed at any age. Individuals who develop bipolar disorder typically begin to show symptoms in their teenage years or early 20’s. Signs can change and vary over time.
For people who have BD, occurrences of mood swings may be rare or occur multiple times a year. Most people diagnosed with BD do experience some emotional symptoms between serious episodes some do not. BD is a lifelong condition that can be diagnosed at any age. Individuals who develop bipolar disorder typically begin to show symptoms in their teenage years or early 20’s. Symptoms can change and vary overtime.
Mania and hypomania are periods where the person feels elated and full of energy. Hypomania refers to a less severe or intense version of these symptoms. Both episodes can include these symptoms:
Having had at least one manic episode that began with or was followed by a major depressive episode. In some cases, mania can trigger a psychological break from reality called psychosis.
Having had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never a manic episode.
Having had at least two years in adulthood of many periods of hypomania symptoms and depressive symptoms.
Bipolar disorder can also be induced by drug and alcohol usage or due to certain physical illnesses such as multiple sclerosis or stroke.
Although the symptoms of BD can be isolating and confusing, it is important to know that BD is a common mental illness. The World Health Organizationlists the following statistics regarding BD.
The National Alliance on Mental Health states that over half of the people with bipolar disorder (56%) have a history of illicit drug abuse. In comparison, 44% have abused or are dependent on alcohol. When BD co-occurs with addiction, the symptoms can be exacerbated. Certain drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines are known to increase and sometimes induce a state of mania and psychosis. Other substances such as opiates, marijuana, and alcohol serve as a depressant and increase negative side effects that way. Those that are dual diagnoses are at higher risk of alleviated complications and risk of overdose.
There are effective ways to treat, manage, and in some cases, eliminate the symptoms of BD. Some of the treatments used include;
If you, a family member, or someone else you love are struggling with the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and or a substance use disorder, it may be time to seek treatment and addiction recovery. The chaotic and debilitating symptoms of BD do not have to be the norm anymore. You are not alone, and we are here to help.
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