Bipolar Disorder: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Bipolar Disorder is a condition that impacts around 2.8% of the United States population. The condition is known for being characterized by mood instability and continuous shifts between manic and depressive episodes

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that is followed by manic-depressive episodes. This disorder is usually characterized by frequent mood fluctuations, where an individual goes through periods of intense mania or hypomania and depression.

Some of the key indicators of bipolar disorder are:

Episodes of mania and hypomania: These periods are followed by a significant increase in energy, good mood, and in some cases reckless behavior.

Episodes of depression: Usually followed by low mood, feelings of helplessness, sadness and a loss of interest in hobbies or participating in activities.

Bipolar disorder is usually diagnosed after a person goes through one or more visible manic episodes or when they go through a hypomanic and depressed episode. The difference between a manic and a hypomanic episode is all linked to severity of symptoms. A manic episode involves more intense feelings of euphoria, reckless behavior, heightened mood and being impulsive. A hypomanic episode, on the other hand, usually has the same symptoms but with less intensity.

Manic and hypomanic episodes may disrupt daily life, with hypomania being less severe. Depressive episodes, however, are known to cause a ton of distress as these episodes can also impact daily life through the loss of energy and motivation.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is divided into three separate types, depending on the intensity of symptoms and the frequency of episodic shifts. Here are the three types of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I Disorder: This type requires at least one manic episode that lasts at least seven days. In extreme cases, sufferers sometimes require hospitalization because of the severity of the episode. In bipolar type I, individuals might experience depressive episodes, but they are not required to be diagnosed. In some cases, individuals may experience a mixture of manic and hypomanic episode symptoms. If an individual experiences more than 4 episodes annually, then their episodic shifts are defined as rapid cycling.

Bipolar II Disorder: The II type is less intense and is commonly associated with shifts between hypomania and depressive episodes.

Cyclothymic Disorder: Characterized by shifts between hypomania and depressive episodes. The only difference from Bipolar type II is that Cyclothymic Disorder doesn’t meet the full criteria of the symptoms and/or frequency associated with the episodes.

There is also a fourth type categorized as “Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders,” that often have some similarities to bipolar symptoms but do not meet the full criteria to fit into the three main types.

Note: It’s important to note that bipolar disorder lies on a spectrum, with its symptoms ranging from mild to severe depending on the individual.

Keep in mind that these descriptions of bipolar symptoms and episodes provide a general overview. The severity and symptoms are different from person to person. This means that the diagnosis and treatment process for bipolar disorder is not a one-size-fits-all approach and is a unique journey for every individual.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder symptoms vary significantly and not one person is exactly alike. It’s important to recognise that the condition is diverse and may be associated with many symptoms such as:

Unstable mood: People that suffer from this condition often go through extreme mood swings. During manic or hypomanic episodes individuals may feel euphoric and energetic, while during depressive episodes they might feel sad and lack energy and motivation. Mood shifts can either happen gradually or suddenly.

Mania: During manic episodes, people that have bipolar disorder may feel the need to engage in risky behavior such as gambling, overspending, substance abuse, unprotected and risky sex with mutual partners, etc. Mania may also be associated with racing thoughts, and difficulty concentrating.

Depression: Depressive episodes are followed by feeling worthless, self-isolating, sleeping too much or trouble sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty making decisions or concentrating. Feelings of suicide and hopelessness can also occur during a severe depressive episode.

Mixed hypomania/mania: Episodes of mania and depression can happen during the same time. This is usually confusing and challenging to those affected by bipolar disorder, and in some cases, can increase the risk of self-harm or suicide.

Changes in energy levels: During depressive episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder may oversleep and experience low energy levels throughout the day. Manic episodes, on the other hand, are followed by high energy levels and less required sleep.

Changes in behavior and thinking: Manic episodes are associated with aggression, irritability, and impulsivity while depressive episodes lead to pessimism and feelings of guilt.

Psychosis: In some extreme cases, people with bipolar disorder can experience hallucinations or delusions. These symptoms can occur during both manic and depressive episodes and may require additional treatment adjustments.

Cyclothymic Symptoms: Some people may experience shifts in milder versions of hypomanic and depressive episodes. Individuals experience some degree of mood dysregulation, but the symptoms are not enough for them to receive a full bipolar diagnosis.

Remember, bipolar disorder hangs on a spectrum, and symptoms may vary significantly from person to person. Additional factors such as substance abuse, chronic stress, and other medical conditions can impact the severity of one’s symptoms.

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