Bipolar Disorder: Here's a Comprehensive Guide to Its Symptoms and Implications
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by changing moods, thoughts, behaviors, and energy levels. This disorder, formerly known as manic depression or manic depressive disorder, affects approximately 2.1% of the population in the United States, with no significant difference in lifetime risk between men and women. Interestingly, women tend to develop bipolar disorder slightly more often than men.
The disorder is often diagnosed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional through a face-to-face clinical interview. This interview includes detailed questions about the individual's medical and mental health history, as well as current symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and psychoeducation are therapy methods that have proved to be effective in treating bipolar disorder. These approaches help individuals manage their symptoms, understand their condition better, and develop coping strategies.
Medication is another common treatment for bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers are the most commonly prescribed medications, with lithium being the most well-known. Atypical antipsychotics such as cariprazine, aripiprazole, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, clozapine, and olanzapine/fluoxetine combination are also commonly used. In some cases, anticonvulsant medications such as valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, gabapentin, and topiramate may be prescribed.
It's important to note that alcohol or substance use can often link to untreated bipolar disorder, potentially triggering manic or depressive episodes. Therefore, avoiding alcohol and substances not prescribed is a crucial self-help strategy for managing the disorder.
Males with bipolar disorder tend to have more episodes of mania throughout their lifetime, more prevalent bipolar II, more dual diagnosis with other medical or psychiatric disorders, and more dual diagnosis with a substance use disorder. They also tend to have more shifts in mood based on seasonal patterns, more frequent depressive episodes, mixed mania, and rapid cycling.
Suicidal thoughts or intent are common in bipolar disorder, especially during depressive episodes. In addition to withdrawal and isolating oneself, signs of suicide risk in people with bipolar disorder include talking or writing about death or suicide, putting personal affairs in order, and previous attempts.
Managing bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Self-help strategies include taking prescription medication, seeing a therapist regularly, continuing education about bipolar disorder and its treatment, participating in online communities or in-person support groups, and maintaining healthy habits such as exercise, stress management techniques, eating healthily, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep, and avoiding potential triggers.
Calcium channel blockers may be prescribed off-label for bipolar disorder due to their mood-stabilizing effects with less side effects, although they're not often used. There is a contentious debate and much study surrounding the possible link between antidepressants and manic episodes.
Approximately 5.7 million U.S. adults live with bipolar disorder. Males with bipolar disorder are more likely to have delayed diagnosis or intermittent treatment, often due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other factors. It's crucial to raise awareness about the disorder and encourage early diagnosis and consistent treatment.
