Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or are concerned you, or someone you love, might have it, you’re probably confused and scared. Take a deep breath and know this: Everyone featured on HealthCentral with a chronic condition felt like you do now. But we—and they—are here for you. On this page alone, you’ll discover the realities and challenges of the condition, but also the best treatments, helpful lifestyle changes, where to find your bipolar community, and all the crucial information to help you not merely manage—but hopefully thrive. We’re sure you have a lot of questions…and we’ve got the answers you need.

Our Pro Panel Bipolar Disorder We went to some of the nation’s top experts in bipolar disorder to bring you the most up-to-date information possible. Po Wang, M.D. Psychiatrist and Clinic Chief Bipolar Disorders Clinic at Stanford University Department of Psychiatry Amit Anand, M.D. Professor and Vice-Chair for Research Center for Behavioral Health at the Cleveland Clinic Linda Hubbard, L.M.F.T. Therapist Department of Behavioral Health, Psychiatry & Psychology at the Mayo Clinic

What Is Bipolar Disorder, Anyway? Bipolar disorder is a serious mental condition that causes major abnormalities in mood, thoughts, energy, and behavior—the kind of changes that cause noticeable impairments to your day-to-day life. We all have ups and downs, but people with bipolar disorder experience these in extreme states, called mania and depression (though they may also go for stretches when they have no symptoms at all). These intense mood shifts can interfere with personal relationships, harm careers, and disrupt your ability to just get through the day.

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But bipolar is manageable. The right combination of medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle changes can help most people with bipolar live productive lives full of fun, meaning, and connection. Some quick bipolar stats: Bipolar disorder is, on average, diagnosed around age 25, but it can be spotted in teens and more rarely even younger children.

About 3% of adults in this country experience the condition, which means about 10 million Americans have bipolar disorder.

Rates of bipolar are equal among men and women in the U.S.

More than 80% of people with bipolar disorder are classified as “severe,” which means their illness causes serious impairments.

Do I Have the Signs of Bipolar? The symptoms of bipolar vary. Here are some signs to look out for. Symptoms of bipolar-related mania may include: Having high levels of energy and exhilaration

Experiencing grandiose or overblown self-esteem

Speaking so loudly or quickly others can't understand you

Not sleeping well and/or having little need to sleep

Engaging in risky behaviors like unprotected sex or gambling

Being easily distracted

Being easily irritated Symptoms of bipolar-related depression may include: Feeling sad

Feeling lethargic

Eating too much or too little

Feeling worthless

Having thoughts of suicide There’s a catch-22 with recognizing the symptoms of bipolar, particularly when it comes to mania: Some people with bipolar disorder simply don’t realize what’s going on, often because they actually enjoy the high—it can make them feel like they’re on top of the world. They have an abundance of energy, they’re more creative than ever, they’re friendly and talkative. They may even feel that it’s the best part of their lives. Mania has been described as being on speed without the speed, which makes sense: The same chemicals that are released in the brain from amphetamines may be released in the manic phase.

Nikki Cagle

Are There Different Types of Bipolar Disorder? Yes—four, in fact. The first two types listed below are the most common, but all involve substantial changes in mood, energy, thought patterns, and behavior. Bipolar I Disorder is the most serious form of bipolar. Manic episodes last at least seven days or are so serious that the person needs immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes usually last at least two weeks.

is the most serious form of bipolar. Manic episodes last at least seven days or are so serious that the person needs immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes usually last at least two weeks. Bipolar II Disorder is similar to bipolar I, but the manic episodes are less intense. Mania for this type is called hypomania.

is similar to bipolar I, but the manic episodes are less intense. Mania for this type is called hypomania. Cyclothymic Disorder (or cyclothymia ) is a milder form of bipolar disorder, where moods fluctuate between short periods of hypomania and mild depression for a period of at least two years. The emotional fluctuations are shorter than for bipolar I or II.

(or ) is a milder form of bipolar disorder, where moods fluctuate between short periods of hypomania and mild depression for a period of at least two years. The emotional fluctuations are shorter than for bipolar I or II. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders is, as it sounds: a catch-all phrase. Here, the symptoms are similar to bipolar disorder but don’t meet the full range of criteria that would lead doctors to make an actual bipolar diagnosis.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder? Experts don’t know exactly why someone develops bipolar, and there’s no one factor that sparks it. It’s likely a combination of some or all of the following: Genetics: It’s unclear specifically how, but genes can play a large role, and bipolar disorder tends to run in families. Gender: While men and women get bipolar at equal rates, women have a higher risk of rapid cycling (going up and down in mood quickly), and they tend to have more depression than men. Stress: Highly upsetting events—like divorce, the death of a family member, or losing a job—can trigger a bipolar incident. Also, people who’ve experienced a traumatic event—such as sexual or physical abuse, neglect, or the death of a parent early in life—have an increased chance of getting bipolar later. Substance abuse: Those who abuse drugs or alcohol are at a higher risk for developing bipolar disorder.

Get More Info on Bipolar Causes A lot of people with bipolar find themselves asking - where did this come from? We've got all the info you need to answer those questions. Read More

How Do Doctors Diagnose Bipolar Disorder? Usually, people wait an average of almost six years after the first sign of bipolar disorder to get diagnosed and treated—often because of that positive reaction to mania we explained above. Many people seek help only when they’re in a depressive state. But antidepressants can make bipolar disorder worse, so it’s important that a professional gets a full medical history to ensure a proper diagnosis. To diagnose bipolar disorder, a healthcare provider may perform a complete physical exam and order medical testing, including blood and urine analysis, to rule out other conditions that can affect brain function or mood. Hypothyroidism, for example, where the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, can look like bipolar. If physical issues don’t explain the symptoms, a trained mental health professional (such as a psychiatrist) will discuss a person’s moods, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The psychiatrist may also give you a questionnaire, as well as ask you to keep a daily record of moods and sleep patterns. With bipolar I specifically, a person does not actually have to have experienced a period of depression to be diagnosed; one manic episode, however, is enough for a bipolar I diagnosis

Mental Health The Biggest Myths About Living with Mental Illness Those that have a mental illness know that these myths are exactly that: myths. Take a look for yourself. Read More

What Is the Best Treatment for Bipolar Disorder? We can’t stress this enough: Medication is crucial after a diagnosis of bipolar disorder as it can help keep disruptive mood swings at bay. The immediate goal is to help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms. Once those are under control, prescription drugs can help prevent, or reduce the intensity, of future manic and/or depressive episodes. Because mood stabilizers can take up to two weeks to achieve their full effect, doctors usually also prescribe an anti-psychotic, which can start to work in as quickly as a few hours. Medication isn’t one-size-fits-all, of course—everyone reacts individually—but it’s a very effective first line of treatment. It can also work hand in hand with these other types of helpful treatments: Talk therapy can help people understand what’s going on and provide coping strategies to better handle the issues you face with the disorder.

Lifestyle changes can be more influential than you might think. They include: Charting your mood. Sometimes specific things can trigger an episode. Recognizing these particulars can help you manage them more effectively—or even avoid them altogether. Sticking to a regular routine. Keeping to a schedule seems to help those with bipolar sidestep unexpected triggers for mood swings. Sleep, in particular, is clutch: Deprivation can set off manic episodes. A regular exercise habit can help, too, not least because it aids in deeper, more refreshing sleep. Practicing stress-management techniques. Since bipolar disorder can be triggered by stress, activities such as yoga or meditation can help calm the mind. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an option for people who have intense depression that hasn't responded to medications, or for those who can’t be on certain meds, such as pregnant women.



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What’s Life Like for People with Bipolar Disorder? Living with bipolar disorder is not always easy—for you, if you’ve got it, but also for the people around you. The manic phase of this disease can be exhilarating when you’re experiencing it, but it can be harrowing for your friends and family. The person with bipolar feels like they can do anything, often causing them to engage in risky behaviors—impulsively quitting their jobs, gambling away their savings, and other types of sweeping life changes—which can hurt themselves or loved ones. Therapy can be very beneficial to help you see the effect you’re having on others. The depression phase of bipolar can also be debilitating—but in the opposite way. If you have bipolar, not knowing how you’re going to feel on a day-to-day basis can cause insecurity, anxiety, and panic. When Someone You Love Has Bipolar If you have a friend or family member with bipolar, there are specific ways to help. Since it can be difficult for a person in the manic phase to realize anything’s off, it’s important for you to be aware of the signs and get help for them if necessary. How would you be able to tell? The person wouldn’t be acting like their usual self, typically for several days or even weeks. If someone you care about has been diagnosed with bipolar and stops taking their medicine, that’s another reason to call the doctor ASAP or urge them to do so. You might also consider asking your friend or family member about attending a doctor’s appointment with them to ask some questions or give your perspective on how your friend is doing. While there’s a chance your loved one might feel this ask is too intrusive, talk it through: Communication—lots and lots of it—can help build trust. People with bipolar sometimes feel like a burden, so let them know you love them and you’re there to listen, without judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions Bipolar Disorder Is manic depression the same as bipolar disorder? Many people use the terms interchangeably, and they do usually refer to the same condition. But because some think that terms like “mania” and “manic” (which carry the ring of the pejorative “maniac”) have a negative connotation, professionals often discourage use of the term “manic depression.” Some people prefer the term “bipolar” because it sounds more scientific and less stigmatized than “manic depression.” Is mania the same as psychosis? No. With mania, a person’s mood is strangely elevated, irritable, or both. People have feelings of grandiosity, they don’t sleep, their thoughts race, and they may speak fast or engage in abnormally risky behavior. Psychosis causes a person’s thoughts and perceptions to become so off that they lose touch with reality and can have delusions. During a manic state, a person with bipolar can experience elements of psychosis (that said, not all mania includes psychosis). But psychosis can happen with depression, a very high fever, other mental disorders, or all sorts of other reasons. Is bipolar disorder genetic? Bipolar disorder does tend to run in families, suggesting that genes are involved. However, studies of identical twins have found that even when one twin develops the condition, the other twin may not, so while genes can make a person more prone to bipolar, many factors have to collide for a person to actually develop the disorder. Are bipolar symptoms different in men and women? For the most part, they’re the same, although women have a higher risk of rapid cycling: when someone has four or more manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes in a year. Women also tend to have more depression than their male counterparts.