Bipolar disorder, which was once referred to as manic depression, is a serious mental health condition that can affect the quality of life. Roughly 4.4% of American adults will be diagnosed with bipolar disorder at some time during their lives. Bipolar disorder ranges in severity, but anyone who suffers from the condition should seek professional treatment. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness and it’s not curable, but there are a variety of effective ways to manage the symptoms.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental health condition that causes people to experience extreme mood swings, including emotional highs and depressive lows. These changes in mood can be triggered by a number of situations, including stressful life events, changes in routine, overstimulation, or sleep pattern disturbances. As a result, bipolar disorder can make it difficult for a person to hold a job, care for their family, or complete everyday tasks.
During the highs—called hypomania—people often feel euphoric, extremely energetic, or irritable, which can affect sleep, judgment, and concentration. When a bipolar person experiences the depressive lows, they might feel sad, hopeless, or uninterested in doing things they usually enjoy. Some people affected by bipolar disorder get mood swings a few times per year, or once every couple of years.
Bipolar disorder is frequently diagnosed in teenagers or young adults in their early 20’s, with the median onset age being 25. However, it’s possible for bipolar disorder symptoms to begin during childhood. Research has shown that the condition affects both men and women equally, but each gender tends to experience bipolar episodes differently. Men tend to experience bipolar symptoms less often than women, but their symptoms are usually more severe overall.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder can have varying symptoms. In children and teens, it can be difficult to separate bipolar symptoms from normal ups and downs. The most obvious sign of bipolar disorder is extreme mood swings that differ from normal mood changes. Bipolar mood swings are noticeable to other people, and may raise concern.
The symptoms of hypomanic episodes include:
The symptoms of depressive episodes include:
Another way to distinguish between normal mood swings and bipolar mood swings is the length of each episode. In people with bipolar disorder, their symptoms usually last at least a week, and sometimes longer. Due to the symptoms usually last all day and make it difficult for them to function normally.
What causes bipolar disorder?
There isn’t one specific cause of bipolar disorder, and doctors believe it’s linked to a few different factors. The first is genes—research has shown that bipolar disorder is largely genetic, and it often runs in families. Data shows that someone with a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder has a 4 to 6 times higher risk of developing the disorder, compared to someone who doesn’t have a family history.
Brain structure is also thought to be a contributing factor to bipolar disorder. For instance, damaged brain cells in the hippocampus have been shown to contribute to mood disorders and affect impulses. Similarly, people with neurotransmitter imbalances may also have a higher risk of bipolar disorder.
Certain environmental factors may also play a role in bipolar disorder. Depending on the person, extreme stress, abuse, grief, loss, or physical illness can trigger the symptoms. This is especially true for people who are already genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder and substance abuse
Research has shown that there is a direct correlation between bipolar disorder and substance abuse. One study, in particular, determined that roughly 60% of people who suffer from bipolar disorder have a history of substance abuse.
Some people with bipolar disorder use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. At first, using these substances can help them feel better, but over time, drugs and alcohol can actually make bipolar symptoms much worse. Someone might start using drugs or alcohol during a manic or depressive episode, and continue to use after it ends to manage secondary symptoms.
Conversely, having an existing substance abuse disorder can put someone at a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder. Overusing drugs and alcohol create changes in the brain, especially in areas that control pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain can essentially rewire itself in ways that affect mood and behavior, which can trigger bipolar disorder.
Getting treatment for bipolar disorder
If you or someone you know show symptoms of bipolar disorder, getting professional help is extremely important. Although bipolar disorder can vary in severity, over 80% of cases are considered to be severe. There are a number of effective ways to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder that allow a person to live a more normal life.
Most bipolar disorder treatment programs are rooted in talk therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a bipolar person decode their thought patterns and find positive ways to cope with triggering situations. Therapists may also recommend medication, such as a mood stabilizer, antipsychotic, or benzodiazepine for short-term treatment.
Lifestyle changes can also be effective for people with bipolar disorder. As part of their treatment program, a therapist may recommend a daily exercise routine, consistent sleep schedule, diet changes, and supplements.
If a person is suffering from bipolar disorder and a substance abuse issue, they need to get help from someone who understands how to treat co-occurring disorders. At Mission Harbor, we treat a variety of mental health and addiction disorders, as well as co-occurring conditions. Our clinical team uses an evidence-based approach to create a treatment plan that is tailored to the specific needs of every client.
Do you want to know if Mission Harbor is right for you, or your love one? Learn more about our outpatient centers in Santa Barbara and Southern California.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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