What is Bipolar?
Bipolar disorder encompasses intense shifts in mood, thinking patterns, behaviour and energy, and people diagnosed with BD experience emotional highs or emotional lows.
When people with bipolar disorder experience emotional highs, they may feel strong feelings of excitement, high levels of energy and happiness, which are also known as manic episodes or hypomanic episodes. On the other hand, the emotional lows are characterised by feelings of depression and extreme sadness and are also known as depressive episodes.
It is essential to understand that individuals are not constantly experiencing emotional highs and lows, however, they may experience these mood swings rarely or several times a year. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental health condition, but with proper care and support, people can better manage their symptoms and enjoy an improved quality of life. It is crucial to understand mental health challenges to provide compassionate support to loved ones.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are two main types of bipolar disorder, and they are characterised by similar symptoms which can manifest in different ways. Knowing the differences between the types is vital when diagnosing and providing personalised treatment and support.
Bipolar I
People who have bipolar I disorder experience one or more episodes of mania, which are referred to as manic episodes. Although people with bipolar I usually experience both episodes of mania and depression, having an episode of manic depression isn’t required for making a diagnosis.
Some people experience manic episodes that last up to weeks or months. It is essential for individuals to receive timely and proactive support.
Bipolar II
Bipolar II disorder is another type of BD which is characterised by at least one depressive episode with symptoms of hypomanic episodes that last for at least four days. The hypomanic episodes usually pose less severe challenges in social and occupational functioning. However, they are still characterised by periods of irritable mood, high levels of energy and decreased need for sleep.
One of the most common symptoms of bipolar II disorder is chronic depression, with a major depressive episode impacting daily life and functioning.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is also characterised by intense mood swings, but they are less severe than bipolar I and bipolar II. People diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder may experience hypomanic symptoms as well as depressive symptoms, while mood swings may be unpredictable and interfere with all aspects of daily functioning.
Adults must experience symptoms for at least two years before getting a proper diagnosis, but young people may share them for about a year.
Bipolar with Mixed Features
Bipolar with mixed features is a type of BD where individuals experience symptoms of both mania and manic depression at the same time or in a very fast sequence. This type of bipolar disorder can pose challenges to everyday life for people experiencing it. Also, the treatment process can become a little bit more challenging because healthcare professionals need to address both the manic and depressive symptoms.
Bipolar with Seasonal Patterns
This type of bipolar disorder is characterised by symptoms of manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes that coincide with specific seasons. People with this type of BD usually experience symptoms during winter or autumn, but the characteristics of the symptoms are the same as any other type of BD. The only difference is that this type coincides with the seasons and follows a seasonal pattern.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar
People with rapid cycling bipolar disorder can experience four or more hypomanic, manic or depressive episodes in one year. This type of BD causes individuals to experience symptoms rapidly and negatively affects their quality of life.
Unspecified Bipolar Disorder
This type of BD is referred to as bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS). People with NOS don’t fit into any other type of BD listed previously. NOS can pose immense challenges for both healthcare providers and individuals as it is very challenging to diagnose.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The most common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder include intense shifts in mood, manic or depressive episodes and changes in behaviour.
However, these symptoms may vary from person to person and don’t always follow a specific pattern since some of them might enhance or decrease over time. For this reason, it is essential to understand how these symptoms manifest to find the best care plan and provide holistic and personalised support.
Bipolar Symptoms in Men
Some of the main symptoms of bipolar disorder may vary depending on people’s gender. When it comes to men, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Less frequent but more intense hypomanic and manic episodes
- Intense reactions during manic episodes
- Getting a bipolar disorder diagnosis early in life
- Becoming more susceptible to alcohol and substance misuse
Bipolar Symptoms in Women
Research shows that women may be more prone to develop bipolar disorder due to the correlation with hormonal changes related to pregnancy, menopause and menstruation. Furthermore, women with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience severe depressive episodes in comparison to men.
Some of the symptoms women may experience include:
- Intense depressive episodes
- Mild manic or hypomanic episodes
- Increased risk of developing unhealthy eating habits
- Developing anxiety disorders
- Changes in sleep patterns
Bipolar Symptoms in Children
The symptoms of bipolar disorder in children are usually different than in adults, making it even more challenging to make a proper diagnosis. In some cases, the signs in children may be similar to the signs of various anxiety disorders or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – ADHD.
It is vital to distinguish manic and depressive symptoms in children when talking about bipolar disorders. The most common symptoms of manic episodes of BD in children include:
- Feelings of unusual excitement and happiness
- Challenges with focus and concentration
- Fast and inconsistent speech
- Frequent shifts in the subject
- Partake in risky and harmful activities
- Sudden crying outbursts and agitation
- Change in sleep patterns
During depressive episodes, children may experience:
- Unexpected and sudden crying or feeling sad
- Lack of energy
- Lack of interest in usual daily activities
- Developing sleep disorders
- Changes in appetite
- Feelings of hopelessness and guilt
- Frequent stomach aches and headaches
Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children is a challenging task because mood swings are common for children. However, the symptoms progress faster, and it is critical to seek a professional opinion to seek the underlying cause and understand the effects of children’s behaviour.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is still unknown. Healthcare professionals believe that bipolar disorder is developed through both genetic and socio-environmental factors. There isn’t one specific gene connected to bipolar disorder, and people with bipolar disorder may start showing symptoms after stressful or traumatic life changes.
What Are Bipolar Disorders Risk Factors?
Bipolar disorder affects people of all ages and genders. Women are more prone to developing seasonal mood changes in addition to depressive episodes. On the other hand, men are more prone to developing an intense manic episode. Healthcare professionals do, however, suspect several factors that may be triggering the development of bipolar disorder:
- Genetic factors
- Alcohol misuse or substance misuse
- Experiencing a stressful or traumatic life experience
Bipolar and BPD
Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder share some symptoms, but they are two very different mental health challenges and should be treated as such. The critical difference between these two is that BD is a mood disorder while BPD is a personality disorder.
People with bipolar disorder face challenges with intense mood swings, while individuals with BPD have challenges with impulsive behaviour, self-esteem and fear of abandonment. Both are highly complex and require a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.
Bipolar and ADHD
Bipolar disorder and ADHD are also two different challenges, but they do share some of the same symptoms, such as mood changes and restlessness. However, ADHD is a form of neurodivergence and not a mental health condition. There are cases when the two coexist, making the diagnosis process even more challenging. However, it is essential to address both challenges separately.
Bipolar and Autism
Bipolar and Autism share some similar traits, which can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis. Both conditions can involve difficulties with social interactions and communication. Individuals with autism may struggle with social cues, have repetitive behaviors, and show intense interests in specific topics. Similarly, people with bipolar disorder may experience intense mood swings, have difficulty regulating emotions, and engage in impulsive behaviors.
The overlapping symptoms between these two conditions can make it challenging to differentiate them accurately. For instance, individuals with autism may display mood swings, similar to those seen in bipolar disorder. Additionally, both conditions can sometimes coexist in the same person, further complicating the diagnostic process.
Is Bipolar Disorder a Disability?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition. Mental health conditions are considered disabilities if they have a long-term impact on daily life.
The treatment for bipolar disorder includes a combination of therapies and medication. The overall treatment process is different for every individual, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Some of the treatment options may include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Medication
- Talking therapies
- Psychoeducation
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
The treatment plan will be based on the symptoms of the individual, and it will developed by a qualified healthcare professional.
At Unique Community Services, we deliver outcome-based approaches and person-centred care that puts the individual at the centre of the support plan. We understand the importance of providing humanised support and its impact on the overall treatment journey.
What Risks and Complications Can Bipolar Disorder Cause
Bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on individuals and their mental wellbeing while also being associated with other risks and complications, such as:
- Substance misuse – individuals with bipolar disorder may turn to substance misuse to cope with their symptoms. This can worsen the symptoms, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment and causing other complications as well
- Suicidal tendencies – people with bipolar disorder may experience suicidal thoughts during a major depressive episode, making it essential to seek immediate professional help
- Physical health challenges – some symptoms of bipolar disorder may lead to other health complications like diabetes and cardiovascular complications
- Social withdrawal – people with BD may find it challenging to maintain relationships and friendships, which can lead to isolation and loneliness
- Cognitive functioning – BD may lead to memory, attention and executive functioning difficulties
Mental Health Care and Support with Unique Community Services
At Unique Community Services, we value each individual’s unique needs, strengths and aspirations and consider them our priority. We work towards delivering personalised care solutions focused on improving people’s health outcomes and wellbeing. We aim to support individuals with mental health needs to live fulfilling and enjoyable lives within their community.
With our exceptional in-house positive behaviour specialists, individualised care plans and expertise – we can deliver bespoke services to individuals with mental health support needs.
If you or a loved one needs mental health support, contact us today through one of our offices in Bristol, Manchester and Leeds.
