What is it?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression), which can affect daily life and relationships.
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Description
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). During manic episodes, individuals may feel excessively energetic, euphoric, or irritable, often engaging in risky behaviors without recognising the consequences.
Depressive episodes can bring overwhelming sadness, lack of energy, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These mood swings can disrupt daily life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition requiring long-term treatment, which may involve medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms effectively and prevent relapses.
Symptoms
In bipolar disorder, mood changes are more than just typical fluctuations; they can be deeply distressing and significantly disrupt daily life. These shifts in mood can lead to significant changes in behavior and perception, making it challenging to navigate daily activities consistently.
It’s important to note that the intensity and duration of these mood swings vary widely among individuals.
- Mania and hypomania
Mania and hypomania are distinct states in bipolar disorder that involve pronounced changes in mood and behavior. During a manic episode, individuals may feel exceptionally energetic, euphoric, and overly confident. They may exhibit rapid speech, racing thoughts, and engage in reckless activities such as overspending or risky sexual behavior.
Hypomania, a milder form of mania, shares similar symptoms but to a lesser degree, often allowing individuals to maintain some level of functionality and social interaction. Both states can lead to impaired judgment and decision-making, impacting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
It’s essential to recognise these symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment to manage these episodes effectively and minimize their impact on daily life.
- Depressive episodes
Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are characterised by profound sadness, low energy levels, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. During these episodes, individuals may experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns, along with difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt are common, and thoughts of death or suicide may occur. Depressive episodes can significantly impair daily functioning, affecting relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. It’s crucial for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek professional support and treatment to effectively manage depressive episodes.
- Psychosis
Psychotic symptoms can occur during severe manic or depressive episodes, or in some cases, independently of mood swings. During psychotic episodes, individuals may have distorted perceptions of reality, exhibit disorganised thinking or behavior, and feel detached from their surroundings.
These symptoms can be frightening and disruptive, often requiring immediate medical attention and specialised treatment by mental health professionals. Effective management typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and ongoing support to stabilise mood and reduce the risk of future psychotic episodes.
- Stable periods
Stable periods in bipolar disorder refer to phases where individuals experience a relative absence of mood swings or significant symptoms. During these times, people with bipolar disorder typically feel more balanced and able to engage in daily activities without extreme fluctuations in mood. During these periods, symptoms of mania, hypomania, or depression are minimal or absent.
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What causes bipolar disorder?
Causes
The causes of bipolar disorder are multifaceted and not fully understood. Genetic factors play a significant role, with bipolar disorder often running in families. Changes in brain structure and functioning, as well as neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, are also believed to contribute to the condition.
Stressful life events, trauma, and substance abuse can trigger or exacerbate symptoms in those genetically predisposed. Researchers continue to study these complex interactions to better understand the origins of bipolar disorder and improve strategies for diagnosis and treatment.
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Types
- Bipolar I
Bipolar I disorder is characterised by at least one manic episode, which includes periods of abnormally elevated mood, increased energy, and hyperactivity lasting at least one week. These episodes can be severe enough to require hospitalisation or cause significant impairment in daily functioning. Bipolar I may also include hypomanic or major depressive episodes
- Bipolar II
Bipolar II disorder is characterised by at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode. Unlike Bipolar I, hypomanic episodes in Bipolar II are less severe and do not cause significant impairment or require hospitalization. However, the depressive episodes can be severe and debilitating
- Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a milder form of bipolar disorder characterised by chronic fluctuating mood disturbances. It involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms that are not severe enough to meet the criteria for hypomanic or major depressive episodes. These mood swings persist for at least two years in adults (one year in children and adolescents) and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.
Receiving a diagnosis of cyclothymia can be challenging, as it might seem like your symptoms are being downplayed. However, cyclothymia is a serious condition that can significantly affect your life.
- Mixed bipolar state
A mixed bipolar state involves experiencing symptoms of both mania and depression simultaneously. This can include high energy and irritability alongside sadness and hopelessness, making it particularly distressing and difficult to manage.
- Rapid cycling bipolar
Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is characterised by experiencing four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression within a year. These frequent mood swings can make the condition more challenging to manage and treat.
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Voice
People use a variety of strategies for recovery. The most common involve learning to notice early warning signs of mood changes and knowing what is likely to help at that point. Recovery is an ongoing journey that is unique to each individual.
- ‘Understanding Bipolar Disorder’, a report by the British Psychological Society
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Getting help
If you suspect you may have bipolar disorder, it’s important to consult your GP. While GPs cannot diagnose bipolar disorder themselves, they can refer you to a specialist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
It might be helpful to keep a mood diary for several weeks prior to your GP appointment to keep track of any mood changes. Make an account on Waiting Room and use the Mood Tracking and Journal to do this. Alternatively, Bipolar UK offers a free mood tracker app that can assist you in recording and monitoring your moods.
- Medication
Medicines used to treat bipolar disorder help keep moods steady and prevent big ups and downs. Doctors might prescribe things like mood stabilisers such as lithium or anticonvulsants like valproate and lamotrigine to help manage mood swings. They work by balancing the chemicals in the brain that affect how we feel and act.
Sometimes, doctors might also give atypical antipsychotics like quetiapine or olanzapine to help control really high moods.
It’s important to work closely with doctors to find the right medicine and dose that work best for you.
You can learn more about different types of medication on the Young Minds website.
- Talking therapies
Therapy for bipolar disorder is a way to learn how to manage your moods and feel more in control. You might be offered cognitive-behavioral therapy which helps you understand how thoughts and behaviors can affect your moods. It teaches you skills to recognise triggers for mood swings and develop healthy ways to cope with them.
You might also be offered psychoeducation, which teaches you and your family about bipolar disorder and how to manage it day-to-day. Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about learning practical tools to stay balanced and feel better. Working with a therapist you trust can make a big difference in how well you can manage your moods and live your life.
- Looking after yourself
If you have bipolar disorder, there are steps you can take on your own to help manage your condition, alongside getting professional help. Managing bipolar isn’t easy so don’t blame yourself if you can’t stick to these steps all the time. Be patient with yourself acknowledge your progress.
Many people with bipolar disorder lead happy and healthy lives, and with the right support, you can too.
Monitor Your Mood: Keep track of your mood changes over time. You can create an account on Waiting Room and use the Mood Tracking and Journal function to do this. Recognising patterns can help you prepare for mood swings.
Understand Triggers: Identify what triggers changes in your mood, such as stress, lack of sleep, or major life events. Knowing your triggers can help you avoid them or minimise their impact.
Recognise Warning Signs: Pay attention to changes in your sleep, eating habits, or behavior that might signal an upcoming mood episode. This awareness can help you prepare and seek support early.
Stick to a Routine: Establishing a daily routine for meals, sleep, medication, and activities can promote stability and help manage mood fluctuations.
Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate bipolar symptoms. Find ways to avoid stress, manage it effectively, and take care of yourself during stressful times.
Financial Management: If financial concerns are stressful, seek advice from trusted sources or organisations like the National Debtline for practical steps.
Plan for Crises: Prepare a crisis plan while you’re well to outline how you’d like to be supported during difficult times.
Physical Health: Prioritise good sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise to support your mental well-being and manage bipolar symptoms.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or peers who understand bipolar disorder and can provide encouragement and practical help when needed.
Peer Support: Connect with others who have similar experiences through local support groups, online forums, or recovery colleges to share advice and encouragement. Bipolar UK have a directory of specialist peer support groups.
Some resources that may help
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