Are you experiencing Bipolar Disorder Symptoms?
Bipolar Disorder, which is also known as Bipolar Depression or Manic-Depressive Illness, is a mental illness and mood disorder that affects one’s ability to think clearly or take care of day-to-day tasks. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, somewhere around 2.8% of American adults suffer from Bipolar Depression each year, but around 83% of these cases of Bipolar Depression could be classified as “severe”.
Those suffering from Bipolar Depression experience consistent changes in mood and energy levels. Manic episodes are periods of feeling very “up” and energized, and depressive episodes are the “down” or hopeless periods. Generally speaking, there are four different variations of Bipolar Disorder, but they all experience both manic and depressive episodes.
The Four Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder
– This consists of manic episodes that last at least a week at a time, or manic episodes featuring symptoms so severe that the person should seek immediate medical care. Those with this type of Bipolar Disorder often also experience depressive episodes that last around two weeks at a time. They may also experience episodes featuring symptoms from both manic and depressive episodes at the same time.
Bipolar II Disorder
– Those with Bipolar II Disorder still experience hypomanic and depressive episodes, but don’t experience symptoms as strong as Bipolar I.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
– This disorder is defined by periods of numerous periods of depressive and hypomanic episodes that last for at least 1 year (in children/adolescents) or 2 years for adults, but these symptoms may not meet the traditional requirements for hypomanic or depressive episodes.
Other Specified/Unspecified Bipolar Disorders
– There are some other Bipolar Disorders that do not match these three categories but still are classified as Bipolar Disorder.
What are the signs of a manic episode?
An increase in energy levels
An increase in activity levels
Feelings of jumpiness
Trouble sleeping
Sped up speaking and thinking
Take on a lot of projects at once
Take risks, such as spending a lot of money
What are the signs of a depressive episode?
Feeling empty or hopeless
A decrease in energy levels
A decrease in activity levels
Trouble sleeping
Trouble concentrating
Forgetfulness
Suicidal ideation
Can I experience symptoms of both manic and depressive episodes?
Yes, someone with Bipolar Disorder may experience episodes of mixed features, where one experiences symptoms of manic episodes and depressive episodes at the same time.
What does Bipolar Disorder look like in children and teens?
Bipolar Disorder can sometimes be harder to identify in adolescents. Children and teens experience lots of ups and downs as they are dealing with the normal stress and trauma of growing up.
Adolescents may still have depressive or manic episodes, but the actual symptoms and patterns of these episodes can vary from adults with the disorder. Some adolescents with the disorder may even have long periods without symptoms between episodes.
The biggest signs that an adolescent may have Bipolar Disorder are severe mood swings different from the mood swings they usually go through.
Children with Bipolar Disorder are often diagnosed with co-occurring health conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This may further complicate the process of diagnosis.
When should I seek treatment?
Those suffering from Bipolar Disorder are often unable to see how their condition and emotional instability are affecting their lives and the lives of their loved ones, and therefore don’t receive the treatment they need. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of depression or mania, you should seek medical treatment from a doctor or mental health professional.
What kinds of treatments are available for Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder can not get any better on its own, and treatment is often necessary. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options, so everyone can find the treatment that works best for them.
Bipolar Disorder can not be cured, it is a lifelong condition. Treatment is simply to help manage symptoms.
Treatments include, but are not limited to, the following:
Medication.
Day treatment programs.
Substance abuse treatment.
Hospitalization
There are even more options for medications, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants, although patients will see a varied mix of results. Antidepressants, for instance, may take months to begin to manage the symptoms, and will not work for every person suffering from Bipolar Disorder.
