Bipolar Disorder
A Family of Diagnoses Explained
About 2.5% of the United States, or 5 million people, have bipolar disorder. While the exact definition of bipolar disorder has gone through many changes over the years, a general understanding holds true: it’s characterized by significant mood episodes alternating between mania and depression.
There are four types of bipolar disorder diagnoses, depending on symptom intensity, longevity, and relation to other disorders:
- Bipolar I
High extremes of manic episodes that may or may not include major depressive episodes and with or without psychotic episodes. Episodes often require hospitalization. - Bipolar II
Less severe, yet still clearly identifiable patterns of hypomanic episodes and depression. - Cyclothymia
Periods of hypomania and depression characterized by length of time of episodic activity (at least two years in adults), rather than severity. - Other Types
Symptoms of bipolar disorder are present, but clearly induced by another condition like a stroke or multiple sclerosis.
How does it happen?
The exact causes of most mental disorders are unknown, but studies have identified two major contributing factors: genetic/biological predispositions and trauma.
Biology and genetics are hard to ignore when it comes to mental disorders. Having a first-degree relative with the disorder highly increases your chance of having it, and brain scans show that there are fundamental biological differences in brain composition and activity.
Mental and physical trauma – which might include childhood abuse, the loss of a loved one, or substance abuse – can also dramatically increase your chances of developing bipolar disorder.
What are the treatment options?
While there’s no way to 100% prevent or cure bipolar disorder, there are early intervention methods that can reduce symptoms and promote long-term lifestyle improvements.
Paying attention to red flags and involving family and friends early on can quickly educate and empower the individual to get the help they need.
Once diagnosed, psychotropic medications and continued therapy are often effective at reducing the likelihood of future episodes. The most critical, yet often disregarded, factor of long-term management is taking all medication exactly as prescribed. Sometimes patients feel that they no longer need the medication or they don’t like the side effects.
Read more about bipolar disorder.