Top Bipolar Disorder Articles – Bipolar 1 & Bipolar 2

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a broad term often used to describe several mental health conditions. These conditions include bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and milder cyclothymic disorder. ⁽¹⁾ Medical professionals classify all three conditions as mood disorders.

• Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes, or mania, which may be interspersed with periods of hypomania or major depression. Hypomania refers to a bout of manic symptoms that last just a few days. In contrast, full manic episodes last for 1 week or more. The major depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder last for a minimum of 2 weeks.
• Bipolar 2 disorder is similar to bipolar 1 disorder, except it causes episodes of hypomania instead of mania. ⁽²⁾
• Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, causes episodes of hypomania and depression that are too mild or too short-lived to be classified as manic or depressive episodes. ⁽¹⁾

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance reports that bipolar disorder affects about 2.6% of American adults each year. ⁽³⁾ Many people start experiencing bipolar symptoms in their mid-20s, but bipolar disorder can start in childhood or occur well after an individual turns 40.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

Mental health professionals haven’t identified a single cause of bipolar disorder. However, the condition has a strong genetic component and may also be affected by the structure of a person’s brain. ⁽⁴⁾ It’s common for people with bipolar disorder to have at least one family member who also has bipolar disorder or cyclothymia, but shared genetics don’t automatically mean a diagnosis is inevitable. There have been cases where one identical twin has some form of bipolar disorder while the other twin doesn’t.
Scientists have performed imaging studies to determine if the structure of the brain plays a role in the development of bipolar disorder. Well-designed studies show that people with bipolar disorder have brain abnormalities in the hippocampus, amygdala, cingulate gyrus, temporal cortex, and prefrontal cortex. ⁽⁵⁾ These structures are involved in behavioral control and emotional regulation.

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder? Signs to Know.

Bipolar I disorder causes prolonged manic episodes and depressive episodes, while bipolar II disorder causes depressive episodes mixed with episodes of hypomania. Cyclothymia causes hypomania and depression, but the symptoms are less severe or less persistent than symptoms caused by bipolar II and II.
Manic episodes are characterized by extreme mood changes. Someone with mania may feel extremely irritable, elated, or sensitive. Mania also causes jumpiness, reduced sleep, and racing thoughts. ⁽⁴⁾ Additional symptoms can include:

• Excessive appetite
• Sudden desire to complete many tasks
• Talking quickly
• Jumping from idea to idea during a conversation
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Heightened levels of sexual activity
• Unusual feelings of power or personal importance

During a bipolar depression episode, someone with bipolar disorder typically experiences an extremely low mood. They may feel anxious, sad, or restless, making it more difficult to concentrate or make decisions. Depressive episodes may also cause the following:

• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty doing simple tasks
• Slow movement
• Social withdrawal

Hypomania is less severe than mania, but it causes similar symptoms. Someone with hypomania may experience:

• Unusually high energy levels
• Lack of sleep
• Unusually high self-esteem
• Racing thoughts
• Pacing or fidgeting
• Impulsive behavior ⁽⁶⁾

Am I Bipolar? How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Anyone experiencing bipolar symptoms should see a licensed physician or mental health professional. A bipolar diagnosis starts with a thorough physical exam and blood tests. ⁽⁷⁾ Doctors use the information gathered to determine if there’s a medical reason for the patient’s symptoms. There’s no single bipolar disorder test, but certain blood tests can help detect thyroid abnormalities, heart problems, and other medical conditions that may cause some of the associated symptoms.
During a mental health evaluation, a clinician gathers information about the patient’s symptoms, such as how severe they are and when they started. The evaluator may also collect information about the individual’s family medical and mental health history. This information helps determine if the individual has bipolar disorder or another mental health condition.

What Is the Best Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?

The best bipolar treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms and personal health history. In many cases, lithium is the most effective bipolar medication, as it helps stabilize the individual’s moods. ⁽⁸⁾ Taking a mood stabilizer may help reduce the number of manic episodes and depressive episodes a person with bipolar I disorder has. It may also help prevent hypomanic episodes.
People with bipolar disorder may also benefit from psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Psychotherapy doesn’t cure bipolar disorder, but it can help individuals with bipolar symptoms learn how to cope with their challenges. Therapy and medications tend to work better than medication alone. ⁽⁹⁾

How to Cope with a Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

An individual with bipolar disorder should take care of their physical health by eating healthy foods and staying as active as possible. Lifestyle changes won’t eliminate bipolar disorder, but they can help manage it. It’s also important for an individual with bipolar disorder to understand that they’re not alone. Millions of people have this mental health condition, so it can be helpful to join a local support group or register for an online support forum.

How to Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder

It can be frustrating and overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to helping someone with bipolar disorder. At the same time, offering unconditional love and empathy to someone with this diagnosis can make a big difference and help improve relationships. It can be beneficial for loved ones to remember that bipolar disorder is a mental health condition and not a choice. If someone with bipolar disorder experiences severe symptoms, they need understanding, not judgment.