BEHAVIOR

Bipolar Disorder 101

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition characterized by dramatic shifts in mood. Some of the time, mood is elevated, and sufferers feel energetic, restless, powerful, or even euphoric. On the other end of the spectrum, those with bipolar disorder feel depressed, apathetic, fatigued, and don’t derive much pleasure from their activities.

Why is the disorder a concern?

During manic periods, it is possible to have delusions that impair judgment. Behavior tends to be riskier because the sufferer feels so energetic and positive. During depressive times, the weight of feelings can be so intense that the sufferer might consider killing himself. Suicide risk is also present even in manic periods, as some people may harm themselves because of their psychosis, or simply because they don’t want their life to be so chaotic anymore.

What is the difference between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2?

In bipolar 1, a sufferer has had at least one period of mania. The mood swings are quite severe, disrupting regular life. In bipolar 2, an individual shifts from manic to depressive periods over time. The manic periods are not as elevated, however, and the depressive periods tend to be longer. Most people with bipolar 2 are able to carry on their usual routines.

Professionals also recognize cyclothymic disorder – a milder form of bipolar disorder in which mood swings aren’t quite as severe. Additionally, although most people think of the manic and depressive symptoms as being mutually exclusive, it’s possible to experience both at the same time in what’s known as mixed bipolar disorder. If a person has four or more mood swings annually, then the bipolar disorder would be classified as rapid swing. Experts believe this swing frequency happens with up to 20 percent of bipolar disorder sufferers. Symptoms can vary quite a bit from person to person within each bipolar disorder type, so it is critical not to dismiss what someone is experiencing just because it doesn’t exactly match what another sufferer is going through or describes. A licensed doctor or therapist can help determine which type of bipolar disorder a person has and how to best to manage precise symptoms.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed and treated?

Doctors and therapists usually diagnose bipolar disorder after carefully examining symptoms. Often, this is done in conjunction with the administration of a screening test in which an individual answers questions about his feelings. Most suffers will need their medication for the rest of their lives, and it can take time to find the right combination and dosage. A doctor also likely will recommend some form of psychotherapy. Other forms of treatment, such as electro-convulsive therapy or trans-cranial magnetic stimulation are available as well, but more research is needed in these areas, and doctors and therapists usually reserve them for more severe cases. Hospitalization can be necessary when symptoms are extremely disruptive or pose a serious threat to health, or when professionals are trying to figure out what type and dose of medication to use.

What causes bipolar disorder?

Scientists and medical professionals aren’t quite sure what causes bipolar disorder. Even so, they strongly suspect it is biological with genetic components. Specifically, they believe that the way neurotransmitters in the brain are functioning is problematic. They acknowledge that, even if the disorder is genetic, environmental, social, and other psychological and physical factors may turn the disorder “on” or trigger it.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a serious illness. It can manifest in a range of severity, however, and professionals acknowledge different types. Thought to be largely biological, the condition is controllable with a combination of medication and therapy, although hospitalization can be necessary. Anyone experiencing symptoms should see his or her doctor.