Bipolar disorder, once referred to as manic depression, bipolar disease, or manic-depressive illness, is a mental health disorder that causes the person to experience intense fluctuations in mood and behavior. It can affect their energy and activity levels, sleep, judgment, concentration, and thinking. Their inability to carry out everyday tasks makes day-to-day living difficult.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
According to an article in Medical News Today, the National Institute of Mental Health explains that episodes of alternating high and low moods are the main symptom of bipolar disorder. Almost everyone experiences mood swings at times, but they generally only last for a few hours. People with bipolar disorder can have intense mood episodes that last for days or weeks.
There are three categories of mood episodes: manic, hypomanic, and depressive.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder comes in three different varieties. Each one involves distinct changes in mood, activity, and energy levels. Moods range from extremely and abnormally energized, elated, or irritable behavior (called high, “up,” or manic episodes) to deeply sad, hopeless, or indifferent behavior (called low, “down,” or depressive episodes). When an episode of high mood symptoms occurs at a less intense level than a manic episode, it is called a hypomanic episode.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) explains the different types of bipolar disorder.
- Bipolar I Disorder: This illness is diagnosed when a person experiences one or more manic episodes that last at least seven days, or the manic symptoms are so severe that immediate hospitalization is necessary. Most people with bipolar I disorder also experience major depressive episodes that typically last at least two weeks. However, a depressive episode is not needed for the person to be diagnosed with bipolar I. It is also possible that the person can experience a depressive episode with mixed features meaning they have manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. For example, a person may feel extremely sad, hopeless, or empty, while also feeling a lot of energy. In some cases, psychosis, which is a break from reality, may be triggered by mania resulting in hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia.
- Bipolar II Disorder: This type of bipolar disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. However, a full manic episode does not occur.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: Also known as cyclothymia, this type of bipolar disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences symptoms of hypomanic episodes and symptoms of depressive episodes (less severe than major depression) lasting at least two years or one year for teenagers and children. Periods of normal mood may occur but last less than eight weeks. A milder type of bipolar disorder, cyclothymia is not severe as bipolar I or II.
Manic and Hypomanic Symptoms
Episodes of manic and hypomanic bipolar disorder share the same symptoms but differ in intensity. The person may be unusually talkative and speak very rapidly. Their thoughts are often racing, and they jump from one topic to another in a conversation. They may seem abnormally jumpy, upbeat, excited, active, and full of energy. Often they have an exaggerated sense of self-confidence, self-importance, well-being, and euphoria. Poor concentration, a decreased need for sleep, loss of appetite, and an increased sex drive are common. They may have a sudden change from being happy to being agitated, angry, irritable, and hostile.
Additional symptoms include:
- Impaired judgment and poor decision making, such as engaging in risky behavior, going on buying sprees, giving away money, or taking drugs
- Feeling bored, distracted, and restless
- Missing or underperforming at school or work
- Feeling unusually powerful, talented, or important
- Feeling able to do anything
- Not realizing or denying that anything is wrong
Depressive Symptoms
During a depressive episode of bipolar disorder, the person may have little energy, sleep a lot or not sleep at all, and cry uncontrollably. They have feelings of extreme sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and emptiness. Trouble concentrating, difficulty thinking, and having problems making decisions are common. They may be forgetful, feel like they have nothing to say, or talk very slowly. Feelings of anxiety, irritability, and a sense of misplaced guilt are often felt. They are unable to feel pleasure and show a lack of interest in things they once enjoyed.
Additional symptoms of a depressive episode include:
- Appetite changes resulting in weight loss or gain
- Feeling lonely or isolating yourself from others
- Sensitivity to noises, smells, and other things that others may not notice
- Diminished sex drive
- Experiencing physical problems or pain that does not respond to treatment
- Thinking about, planning, or attempting suicide
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, mood swings and other symptoms can be managed with the right treatment plan, typically involving both medication and therapy. If you or a loved one are suffering from bipolar disorder or wondering if you may have the disorder, contact Palms Behavioral Health today. We can help you assess the situation and determine the appropriate level of care.
