While many people use the term “bipolar” to describe situations that change quickly, this is not how the disorder works. Furthermore, the cavalier use of the word further alienates the people who need treatment. The swings in a person’s mood must continue over a long time, and the symptoms are severe enough to impact the patient’s quality of life.

Bipolar disorder is a relatively common mental health condition. According to the World Health Organization, bipolar disorder affects about 45 million people worldwide. In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that approximately 2.8% of the adult population has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the past year. It is important to note that bipolar disorder affects men and women equally and typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood, but it can also start in early childhood or later in life.

• Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.

There are several types of bipolar disorder, including:

1. Bipolar I Disorder:

This is characterized by at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).

2. Bipolar II Disorder:

This is characterized by at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never a manic episode.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder:

This is characterized by at least two years of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms.

4. Other Types:

These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders induced by certain drugs or alcohol or due to a medical condition, such as Cushing’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

Symptoms can vary from person to person and can change over time.

Treatment is usually lifelong and often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Bipolar I and Bipolar II are two subtypes of bipolar disorder that involve mood swings from highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression).

Here is how the symptoms for each type differ:

Bipolar I Disorder Symptoms:

1. Manic Episodes are periods of high energy, elevated mood, or irritability. During a manic episode, individuals may talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and be hyperactive. They may also feel all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness. However, they can also be extremely irritable, behaving recklessly and taking on grandiose schemes.

2. Depressive Episodes: Some people with Bipolar I also have depressive episodes, but they are not required for a diagnosis of Bipolar I. During a depressive episode, individuals feel sad, indifferent, or hopeless, in contrast to the manic phase of feeling extremely happy and full of energy.
3. Psychosis: In some cases, a manic episode may lead to psychosis, where the individual loses touch with reality. This can involve hallucinations or delusions.

Bipolar II Disorder Symptoms:

1. Hypomanic Episodes: These are similar to manic episodes but less severe. It is a period of high energy and impulsiveness, but not to the extent seen in Bipolar I. People in a hypomanic state feel euphoric, energetic, and productive, but they can carry on with their daily lives, and they never lose touch with reality. 2. Depressive Episodes: In Bipolar II, the depressive episodes are more frequent and intense. These periods can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

It is important to note that Bipolar I and Bipolar II are not distinct categories but points on a spectrum of mood disorders.

2. Cyclothymic disorder, a type of bipolar disorder, is characterized by chronic fluctuating moods involving periods of hypomania and depression. The mood swings are less severe than those seen in bipolar I or II disorder.

Here are some common symptoms:

During periods of hypomania, an individual may experience:

1. Increased confidence and self-esteem
2. Elevated mood, feeling extremely happy or euphoric 3. Increased energy and restlessness
3. Rapid, loud, and excessive speech
4. Decreased need for sleep
5. Increased sociability and desire to take on new projects
6. Risky or impulsive behavior, such as reckless driving or spending sprees

During periods of mild to moderate depression, an individual may experience:

1. Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty
2. Irritability
3. Fatigue or low energy
4. Decreased interest in activities once enjoyed
5. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
6. Changes in eating, sleeping, or other habits
7. Thoughts of death or suicide

It is important to note that individuals with cyclothymic disorder are often symptom-free for brief periods. However, the chronic nature of this disorder can impact an individual’s overall functioning and quality of life.

Effective treatments are available, including medication, psychotherapy, or both.

Treatment for bipolar disorder is usually lifelong and often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Here are some standard treatment options:

1. Medications: Several types of medication can help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. These can include mood stabilizers (like lithium), antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs. Sometimes, a combination of medications may be used.

2. Psychotherapy: This is a vital part of treatment for bipolar disorder. It can provide support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families.

Some types of therapy may include:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This can help identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.
2. Family-focused therapy involves family members and focuses on enhancing family coping strategies, such as communication and problem-solving.
3. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): This focuses on stabilizing daily rhythms, such as sleeping, waking, and mealtimes.
4. Psychoeducation: This teaches individuals with bipolar disorder and their family members about the disorder to enhance treatment compliance and manage the illness more effectively.
5. Day Treatment Programs: These provide support and counseling during the day, but you return home at night.
6. Substance Abuse Treatment: If you have problems with alcohol or drugs, you will also need substance abuse treatment. Otherwise, it can be challenging to manage bipolar disorder.
7. Hospitalization: In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. This can help keep you safe and stabilize your mood, whether you are having a manic or major depressive episode.
8. Lifestyle Remedies: Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet can help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, getting enough sleep, and using relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can also help.

Remember, each person with bipolar disorder is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another. Working with healthcare providers to find the most effective treatment plan for the individual’s needs is essential.

Bipolar disorder often co-occurs with other mental and physical health conditions, which is known as comorbidity.

These comorbid conditions can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.

Here are some common comorbidities:

1. Anxiety Disorders: These are the most common comorbid conditions with bipolar disorder. They can include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
2. Substance Use Disorders: Many people with bipolar disorder also struggle with substance abuse or addiction, including alcohol, drugs, or both.
3. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Some symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity and being easily distracted, are also common in bipolar disorder.
4. Eating Disorders: These can include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. 5. Personality Disorders: These can include borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
5. Physical Health Conditions: People with bipolar disorder are also at higher risk for certain physical health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and migraines.

If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder and is experiencing symptoms of another mental or physical health condition, it is essential to seek help from a healthcare provider. Effective treatments are available, including medication, psychotherapy, or both.

Several factors may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder.

These include:

1. Genetics: Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative, such as a sibling or parent, with the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing bipolar disorder.
2. Age: Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, typically, it is diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s.
3. Brain Structure and Function: Brain scans cannot diagnose bipolar disorder, yet researchers have identified subtle differences in the average size or activation of some brain structures in people with bipolar disorder.
4. Drug or Alcohol Abuse: About half of people with bipolar disorder also have a substance abuse problem, particularly alcohol use, Dr. Bearden says. Many people will drink when they are in a manic phase to slow themselves down and use alcohol to improve their mood when they are depressed.
5. High Stress: Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event, can trigger a manic or depressive episode.
6. Major Life Changes: Major life changes such as going away to college, starting a new job, ending a relationship, or getting divorced can trigger episodes of mania or depression.
7. Lack of Sleep: Missing sleep can trigger a manic episode.
8. Seasonal Changes: Episodes of mania and depression often follow a seasonal pattern. Manic episodes are more common during the summer, and depressive episodes are more common during the fall, winter, and spring.

Remember, having a risk factor does not mean you will develop the disease. Many people have these risk factors but do not develop bipolar disorder. Conversely, people without these risk factors can still develop the disorder. Talking to a healthcare provider is important if you are concerned about potential risk factors.