Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, behavior, and energy levels. These mood swings can be from mania or hypomania to depression. During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person may experience elevated mood, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, and risky behavior. During a depressive episode, a person may experience low mood, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

Bipolar Disorder with Low Support Needs

Some people with bipolar disorder may have mild symptoms and be able to function on a daily basis without much interference from their symptoms. This has sometimes been referred to as "high-functioning" bipolar disorder, but this term is stigmatizing and can be harmful. It can lead people with bipolar disorder to feel pressured to hide their symptoms or dismiss their condition.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, behavior, and energy levels. These mood swings can be from mania or hypomania to depression. During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person may experience:

• Elevated mood
• Racing thoughts
• Decreased need for sleep
• Increased energy
• Increased risk-taking behavior
• Grandiose thoughts
• Irritability
• Impulsivity

During a depressive episode, a person may experience:

• Low mood
• Loss of interest in activities
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Appetite changes
• Weight changes
• Suicidal thoughts

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

he exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors for bipolar disorder include:

• Family history of bipolar disorder
• Certain brain abnormalities
• Stressful life events
• Substance abuse

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed based on a person's symptoms and a psychiatric evaluation. There is no specific test for bipolar disorder.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be treated with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medication can help to stabilize mood and prevent mood episodes. Therapy can help people to learn how to manage their symptoms and cope with the challenges of bipolar disorder. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep, can also help to improve symptoms.

Coping with Bipolar Disorder

Coping with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but there are a number of things that people with bipolar disorder can do to manage their symptoms and live full and productive lives. These include:

• Taking medication as prescribed
• Attending therapy regularly
• Making lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep
• Developing a support system of family and friends
• Learning about bipolar disorder and how to manage it
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs

Outlook for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed with treatment. With proper treatment, people with bipolar disorder can live full and productive lives.