Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mood disorder. It involves intense shifts in mood, energy levels and behavior. The main signs of disorder are manic and hypomanic episodes that are typically combined with depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder is primarily managed with medications, that can be supplemented with talk therapy, and other lifestyle changes and/or treatments.²

An evaluation to find out if you have bipolar disorder, the following procedures are common:

1. Mental Health Assessment: A psychiatrist will likely talk to you about your thoughts, feelings and patterns of behavior. You may also be asked a series of questions that the psychiatrist prepares. Family members and friends may also be asked about your symptoms.
2. Physical Exam: Your care provider or mental health specialist may conduct a physical exam and laboratory tests that attempt to uncover any medical problems that could be causing your symptoms.
3. Mood Charting: It is possible that your psychiatrist will ask you to keep a journal/record of your moods, sleep patterns or any other factors that may indicate the right diagnosis.

The procedures listed above are common practice, but your healthcare provider may have alternate strategies for diagnosis as well.⁴

There are three common types of bipolar disorders:

• Bipolar I Disorder: This is diagnosed when a person experiences a manic episode. It is very probable for people with bipolar I disorder to also have depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (a less elevated form of mania). Most people with this type of bipolar disorder also have periods of normal mood.
• Bipolar II Disorder: This type of bipolar disorder is diagnosed only if a person has at least one major episode of depression and at least one hypomanic episode. It is typical for someone with bipolar II disorder to seek treatment as a result of their depression.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: This is a form of bipolar disorder that involves persistent mood swings with hypomania and depressive symptoms. People with this disorder experience emotional ups and downs similar to bipolar I and II, but on a less severe scale. ⁵

Scientists and researchers do not know the exact cause of bipolar disorder, but it is believed that there is a strong genetic component involved. Bipolar disorder is considered the most heritable psychiatric condition, with more than two thirds of people who are diagnosed with the disorder having a close biological relative who also has the condition. However, this does not mean that you will get the disorder if you have a biological relative with it.

The following are other potential risk factors of developing bipolar disorder:

• Changes in your brain
• Environmental factors (such as traumatic experiences or stress)

Further research is constantly happening to better understand how the disorder develops in our bodies, which will allow for better treatment and prevention in the future.²

There are a wide variety of management strategies when it comes to bipolar disorder. The following are the most common strategies that healthcare providers use to treat patients with bipolar disorder:

• Medication
• Psychotherapy
• Self-management (involves education and identifying early symptoms of an episode)
• Lifestyle habits (exercise, meditation, etc.)
• Other therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy (often reserved for severe cases)

The strategies listed above are often done in combination and differ greatly from patient to patient. Mental health conditions can be very difficult to treat and often require a personalized plan based on the specific patient’s needs. It is important that someone with bipolar disorder has an open relationship with their healthcare provider so that they can talk through treatment options. This can potentially include new clinical trials or medications that become available if current treatment methods are not successful.²

Many people who receive proper treatment for bipolar disorder live productive and fulfilling lives with symptoms controlled. However, it is common for people with bipolar disorder to struggle with suicidal thoughts and drug or alcohol dependence. It is essential to seek medical care if you have or believe that you have bipolar disorder. Understanding different methods of treatment and finding a plan that works for you is crucial to managing symptoms and living a healthy life.²

It is critical to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know with bipolar disorder is currently experiencing any of the following²:

• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Thoughts or plans of hurting yourself and/or others
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Symptoms of overdose (nausea, vomiting, tremors)

Researchers are continuously investigating potential new and more effective treatments. For guidance on the best treatment options for you—and to determine if you may qualify for a clinical trial—please speak with your healthcare provider.