An Introduction to Bipolar Disorder
Have you ever felt on top of the world one week—full of energy, ideas, and unstoppable confidence—only to crash into a period of deep, immobilizing sadness the next? These dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels can be confusing and disruptive. They are more than just mood swings; they can be a sign of a complex condition known as bipolar disorder.
At Televero Health, we help patients understand that these intense cycles are not their fault. Bipolar disorder is a medical condition, a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. Getting a diagnosis can be the first step toward managing these shifts and living a more stable, predictable life.
The Two Poles of Bipolar Disorder
The name “bipolar” refers to the two “poles” or extremes of mood that characterize the condition: mania (or hypomania) and depression. A person with bipolar disorder will experience distinct episodes of each, often with periods of normal mood in between.
The “Highs”: Mania and Hypomania
A manic episode is a period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood. It’s not just feeling good; it’s an intense state that significantly impacts functioning. During a manic episode, a person might:
- Have an inflated sense of self-esteem or grandiosity.
- Feel a decreased need for sleep (e.g., feeling rested after only 3 hours).
- Be more talkative than usual or feel pressure to keep talking.
- Experience racing thoughts or a flight of ideas.
- Be easily distracted by unimportant things.
- Show an increase in goal-directed activity (at work, school, or sexually) or physical agitation.
- Engage in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences, like spending sprees, foolish business investments, or sexual indiscretions.
Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. The symptoms are similar but not intense enough to cause major problems in social or occupational functioning or to require hospitalization. However, the change in mood and functioning is still noticeable to others.
The “Lows”: Depression
The depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are similar to those in major depressive disorder. A person will experience a low mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, along with other symptoms like changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. For many people with bipolar disorder, the depressive episodes can be particularly severe and long-lasting.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Not everyone experiences bipolar disorder in the same way. The diagnosis is refined into different types based on the pattern of episodes:
- Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by at least one full manic episode. Depressive or hypomanic episodes often occur as well, but are not required for the diagnosis. The mania is severe enough to cause significant impairment or necessitate hospitalization.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Defined by a pattern of at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode. There has never been a full manic episode. People with Bipolar II often seek help during a depressive phase, as the hypomania can feel productive or go unrecognized as a problem.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: Defined by a two-year period (one year in children) of numerous periods with hypomanic symptoms and periods with depressive symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for an episode.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it is treatable. Treatment is crucial for managing the symptoms and preventing the episodes from becoming more frequent or severe. It typically involves a combination of medication, such as mood stabilizers, and psychotherapy. With the right diagnosis and a consistent treatment plan, people with bipolar disorder can manage their mood shifts and lead full, productive lives.
Key Takeaways
- Bipolar disorder is a brain condition causing extreme shifts in mood, from manic/hypomanic “highs” to depressive “lows.”
- Mania involves elevated energy, a decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior, while hypomania is a less severe form.
- There are different types of bipolar disorder (Bipolar I, Bipolar II) based on the severity and pattern of manic and depressive episodes.
- Though it is a lifelong condition, bipolar disorder is treatable with medication and therapy, allowing for effective management of symptoms.
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