Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These include emotional highs, also known as mania or hypomania, and lows, also known as depression. Hypomania is less extreme than mania.
Mood episodes can vary greatly in frequency, ranging from rare to multiple episodes within a year, with each episode typically lasting several days. The periods between episodes differ for each person; some enjoy extended phases of emotional stability, while others may frequently cycle between depression and mania, or even experience both simultaneously.
While bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, it is manageable. A consistent treatment plan, often involving a combination of medication and talk therapy (psychotherapy), is used by healthcare professionals to help control mood swings and other symptoms.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I: Defined by at least one manic episode. May include depressive or hypomanic episodes. Severe mania may involve psychosis or hospitalization.
Bipolar II: Defined by at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode. Full mania never occurs.
Cyclothymic Disorder: At least two years (one for youth) of oscillating hypomanic and mild depressive symptoms that don't meet full diagnostic criteria.
Other: Mood shifts triggered by substances (drugs/alcohol) or medical conditions (e.g., MS, stroke).
There is no single known cause for depression; rather, it is usually triggered by a combination of factors:
Symptoms
Biological and Chemical Factors: These include imbalances in brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.
Genetic Predisposition: Your risk of developing depression triples if a parent or sibling has the condition, although many people are diagnosed without a family history.
Stressful Life Events: Traumatic experiences, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, or isolation, can act as triggers.
Health and Medication: Symptoms can be triggered or worsened by chronic medical conditions (like diabetes or chronic pain), as well as by the side effects of certain medications or substance use.
Sources:
Mania vs. Hypomania
Intensity: Both involve high energy and a reduced need for sleep, but mania is severe enough to cause major life disruptions or psychosis.
Hypomania: A less extreme version of mania; it does not involve psychosis and typically doesn't require hospitalization.
Comparison of Symptoms
Causes
Energy & Mood:
- Manic: Excessive energy, agitation, and extreme euphoria or confidence.
- Depressive: Severe fatigue, loss of energy, and feelings of hopelessness or irritability.
Sleep & Cognition:
- Manic: Feeling rested after very little sleep; racing thoughts and rapid speech.
- Depressive: Sleeping too much or too little; difficulty concentrating and indecisiveness.Behavior:
- Manic: Impulsive or risky choices (e.g., spending sprees or sexual risks).
- Depressive: Social withdrawal and potential thoughts of self-harm.
Biology: Brain chemistry imbalances and genetic/family links.
Trauma: Childhood neglect, abuse, or the loss of a caregiver.
Life Stress: Poverty, racism, relationship breakdowns, or high-pressure environments.
Substances: Misuse of drugs or alcohol can trigger or worsen episodes.