What is Bipolar Disorder?
The American Psychiatric Association describes bipolar disorder as “a brain disorder that causes changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, called mood episodes.” There are different types of bipolar disorder depending on a person’s symptoms. Bipolar disorder can make it difficult for a person to function if left untreated. However, with the right help and treatment a person with bipolar disorder can thrive in society.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person, but the symptoms that categorize bipolar disorder are episodes of depression and hypomania or mania. We have already learned about the symptoms of depression. If you have forgotten those symptoms you can review them in a previous blog post titled “What is Depression? An Overview.” Hypomania and mania are difficult to distinguish between because they have many of the same symptoms. This includes increased energy, racing thoughts, more talkativeness, becoming easily irritated, needing less sleep, and impulsive decision making. A hypomanic episode is diagnosed by a professional when three or more of these symptoms occur simultaneously. A manic episode is also diagnosed when three or more of these symptoms occur simultaneously, but is usually much more severe than hypomania. A manic episode may also trigger a psychotic break from reality.
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose and the process can be long. The typical age for bipolar disorder to manifest is ages 20-25, but doctors are finding that many people have actually experienced their first episode before then. These episodes might be triggered by periods of high stress, trauma, drugs or alcohol. Although the true cause of bipolar disorder is unknown it has been linked to physical changes in the brain, as well as genetics. Due to the true cause being unknown there is no way to prevent bipolar disorder, although there is treatment. Treatment includes medication prescribed by a professional, therapy, group therapy, substance abuse treatment if needed, or hospitalization. Through continued treatment a person with bipolar disorder can live a normal life.
