Bipolar disorder

Bipolar Disorder

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a treatable mental health condition that causes significant changes in mood, energy, activity levels, thinking, and behavior. These changes may include periods of unusually elevated or irritable mood, known as mania or hypomania, as well as periods of depression.

Bipolar disorder is more than ordinary mood swings. The changes in mood can be intense and may affect relationships, work, school, sleep, decision-making, and everyday functioning.

With appropriate treatment and ongoing support, people living with bipolar disorder can manage their symptoms and lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are several types of bipolar disorder, including:

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode. Mania is a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood along with increased energy or activity. Mania can significantly impair functioning and may sometimes require hospitalization.

Depressive episodes commonly occur as well, although a major depressive episode is not required for a diagnosis of Bipolar I disorder.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder involves episodes of hypomania and major depression.

Hypomania is a less severe form of mood elevation than mania. It involves noticeable changes in mood, energy, and activity but does not typically cause the severe functional impairment or psychotic symptoms associated with mania.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder involves recurring periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Symptoms persist over an extended period and can still interfere with daily life.

Symptoms of Mania or Hypomania

During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person may experience:

• Unusually elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
• Increased energy or activity
• Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
• Racing thoughts
• Talking more or speaking more rapidly than usual
• Increased self-confidence or feelings of grandiosity
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased goal-directed activity
• Impulsive or risky behaviors
• Excessive spending or financial decisions
• Increased sexual activity
• Taking on multiple projects or activities
• Poor judgment

Mania is generally more severe than hypomania and can lead to significant disruption in a person’s life.

Symptoms of Bipolar Depression

During a depressive episode, a person may experience:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Low energy or fatigue
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Reduced motivation
• Difficulty managing work, school, or daily responsibilities
• Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and symptoms can vary in severity and duration.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

There is no single cause of bipolar disorder. It is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Factors that may contribute to bipolar disorder or trigger mood episodes can include:

• Family history of bipolar disorder
• Differences in brain function and biology
• Significant stress
• Trauma or major life changes
• Sleep disruption
• Substance use
• Certain medications

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition and is not caused by a lack of willpower or personal weakness.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. There is no single laboratory test that can diagnose bipolar disorder.

During an evaluation, your provider may assess:

• Current and past mood symptoms
• History of manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes
• Sleep and energy patterns
• Changes in behavior and functioning
• Family psychiatric history
• Medical history and medications
• Substance use
• Previous mental health treatment

Accurate diagnosis is particularly important because bipolar disorder can sometimes be mistaken for or occur alongside other conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, or substance-related conditions.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is treatable, and treatment is individualized according to your symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, treatment history, and goals.

Treatment may include:

• Mood-stabilizing medications
• Certain antipsychotic medications
• Psychotherapy
• Psychoeducation
• Sleep and routine management
• Stress-management and healthy lifestyle strategies
• Ongoing psychiatric monitoring

Medication management is especially important in bipolar disorder because some medications that are helpful for depression may not be appropriate as standalone treatment for bipolar depression and may potentially contribute to mood destabilization in some individuals.

Your provider will work with you to determine the safest and most appropriate treatment approach.

Living Well With Bipolar Disorder

Managing bipolar disorder is an ongoing process. Recognizing early changes in mood, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, taking medications as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, managing stress, and avoiding substances that may destabilize mood can all support long-term stability.

A strong treatment plan can help reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes and improve overall functioning and quality of life.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Solidbase Behavioral Health

At Solidbase Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults ages 6 and older through secure and convenient telehealth appointments.

We provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, patient education, and individualized treatment plans for bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.

We believe in treating the person behind the diagnosis. Our goal is to understand your unique experiences, symptoms, strengths, and treatment goals and work with you to develop a personalized approach to care.

Bipolar disorder does not define who you are. With the right treatment and support, stability and a fulfilling life are possible.

Schedule an appointment with Solidbase Behavioral Health to receive a comprehensive evaluation and explore personalized treatment options.