What is the Definition of Bipolar Disorder?

For people living with bipolar disorder, they cycle through intense elevated periods called mania and severe low periods called depression. These extremely high-highs and low-lows become a pattern in their lives. Maybe you’ve questioned if your drastic mood shifts are actually a more serious condition like bipolar disorder.

What is the Definition of Bipolar Disorder?

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I might be bipolar”? If you are experiencing extreme mood fluctuations you could be living with bipolar disorder. Symptoms can vary based on the individual.

If you are trying to understand if you could be bipolar, you might want to gauge the intensity of your mood swings, the duration and frequency of your mood swings, and if the mood swings are affecting your everyday life. Today we will talk about the definition of Bipolar Disorder and what it can look like.

The Difference Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II

Bipolar Disorder comes in two different forms, Bipolar I and Bipolar II. When a person has Bipolar I, that person has at least one manic episode. A person with Bipolar II has hypomanic episodes as opposed to manic episodes.

Mania is more severe than hypomania and can cause paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. Some typical symptoms include restlessness, decreased desire for sleep, highly talkative, racing thoughts and easily distracted. Normally, a manic episode could last at least a week whereas a hypomanic episode could last a few days.

Depression is on the other end of the spectrum of Bipolar Disorder. People who struggle with depression often feel lonely, lose weight, sleep too much, feel worthless, or think about suicide constantly. These depressive episodes can be isolating and thoughts of suicide can consume the person in a depressed state.

Other Facets of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I and Bipolar II aren’t the only diagnoses that can be given when it comes to Bipolar Disorder. For example, Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) can be used to describe someone who doesn’t meet the full criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

This diagnosis is used to ensure people know what they are experiencing is more than depression. It’s vital to monitor symptoms and track behaviors if given this diagnosis.

Cyclothymia Disorder has similar characteristics of Bipolar Disorder. The high and low moods don’t reach the severity or duration of major depressive or full mania episodes. A person’s elevated mood might be manageable because it’s not turning into destructive behaviors and the depression still allows function in everyday life.

The last diagnosis is called “mixed episodes.” A person with mixed episodes experiences both mania and depression simultaneously. This could look like bouts of high energy, extreme fatigue, racing thoughts and feeling hopeless. A person in a mixed state is at much higher risk for suicide.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Symptoms of bipolar disorder can manifest in a variety of forms. Often times people are misdiagnosed with a different mental health disorder instead of Bipolar Disorder. It’s important to not only find the right provider to diagnose you properly, but to receive treatment to help you navigate living with bipolar symptoms. Finding professional treatment can help limit the number of episodes you might have along with the intensity of your episodes.

Medication Management

Find a medical professional or therapist who is qualified to diagnose disorders. Medications that are normally recommended are mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Usually, treatment involves a blend of therapy and medication. Therapy is a great tool to improve recovery and regain your life back. If you are struggling with bipolar disorder, therapy can equip you with the tools needed to navigate episodes as you sense them approaching.

Support Groups and Group Therapy

People that struggle with bipolar disorder might want to enlist the support of family, friends or other people that are battling bipolar disorder. Family-focused therapy can reveal to those closest to you what you are going through on a daily basis and bring a higher level of understanding. Group therapy reminds us that we aren’t alone and provides a safe place to relate with others in similar situations.

Other options are available to consider when a person is not having any success with medications. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that can be done without anesthesia or any serious side effects.

This uses a magnetic pulse to stimulate nerve cells in the area of the brain that controls moods. These are normally reserved as a last resort. Because of the options that are available, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment.

Where to Find Help for Bipolar Disorder

If you are struggling in isolation, it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are many options available to begin to navigate bipolar disorder. You can find victory over this battle! Seeking out help takes courage, but it can provide you with the relief you need. There is hope for your situation. We are here for you.