Bipolar Disorder
About Bipolar Disorder
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is classified as a mood disorder where individuals experience unpredictable mood swings that range from intense emotional highs to profound lows. The duration, frequency, and severity of these mood changes vary widely.
Bipolar disorder is not just moodiness these are severe shifts in mood and behavior that impair decision making, functioning, and quality of life. Importantly, these episodes can occur with periods of stability in between.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder
The most severe form of bipolar disorder, Bipolar I involves at least one full manic episode. These episodes last at least seven days or require hospitalization. Depressive episodes often follow manic periods but are not required for diagnosis.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II involves at least one hypomanic episode (a milder form of mania) and at least one major depressive episode. Hypomania is less severe than full mania but still results in noticeable changes in mood and behavior.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder, chronic form of bipolar disorder where individuals experience frequent mood swings alternating between mild depressive symptoms and hypomania for at least two years.
Bipolar Disorder, Other Specified and Unspecified
This category includes individuals who experience bipolar like symptoms that don’t fully match the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I, II, or cyclothymia but still cause significant impairment.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Genetics
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, with individuals more likely to develop the condition if a close relative also has it. However, genetics alone do not guarantee someone will develop bipolar disorder.
Brain Structure & Chemistry
Studies show individuals with bipolar disorder often have differences in brain structure, connectivity, and activity, particularly in areas involved in mood regulation, impulse control, and stress response.
Life Events & Triggers
Certain life events can trigger or worsen symptoms, like major changes, substance use, chronic stress, trauma, or disrupted sleep patterns.
Co-Occurring Conditions
Many people with bipolar disorder also face co-occurring conditions like anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorders, or physical issues like migraines or thyroid problems.
How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation
Diagnosis starts with a full psychiatric evaluation, exploring mood history, symptom patterns, family mental health, life stressors, and how symptoms affect daily functioning.
Symptom Tracking
Because bipolar disorder involves episodes that come and go, providers may ask patients to track moods over time to identify patterns.
Ruling Out Other Conditions
Bipolar symptoms can overlap with depression, ADHD, substance use, personality, or medical conditions, so a thorough evaluation ensures the right diagnosis.
Other Services
You Need to Understand That Mental Anxiety Can be Discussed
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