What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, formally known as manic-depressive disorder, is a mental illness that features intense changes between feeling overly happy or energetic (manic state) and feeling sad or hopeless (depressive state). According to the National Institute on Mental Illness, bipolar disorder generally first appears during the teenage years or early adulthood, and affects around 5.7 million adults in America– that's 2.6% of the population. Extreme and sudden changes in mood are the hallmark symptoms of this mental illness. The highs can be very high, and the lows can be very low. People with Bipolar Disorder may feel like they're on top of the world one day, and then feel like they're at the bottom of it the next.

This can make everyday life very difficult to manage. Bipolar Disorder can impact every area of someone's life, from their relationships to their work life. It's important to seek help if you think you may have Bipolar Disorder, as it can be a very debilitating condition.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

The exact cause of Bipolar Disorder is unknown. However, it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If you have a close relative with Bipolar Disorder, you're more likely to develop the condition yourself. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder. It's also thought that certain environmental factors can trigger Bipolar Disorder in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition. These triggers can include stress, trauma, or major life changes.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can cause a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can vary in severity from person to person.

What are the 4 Types of Bipolar Disorders?

There are four types of Bipolar Disorder, all of which involve mood swings.

Bipolar I Disorder

This is the most severe type of Bipolar Disorder, and it involves manic episodes that last for at least 7 days, or manic episodes that are so severe that they require hospitalization.

Bipolar II Disorder

This type of Bipolar Disorder involves manic episodes that are not as severe as those in Bipolar I Disorder, and they are usually followed by periods of depression.

Cyclothymic Disorder

This is a less severe form of Bi-Polar Disorder, and it involves smaller mood swings that last for at least 2 years.

Rapid Cycling

This is when a person experiences four or more manic or depressive episodes in one year.

What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

Some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms. The most common symptom of Bipolar Disorder is extreme mood swings. These mood swings can be very sudden and dramatic. They can last for days, weeks, or even months at a time.

People with Bipolar Disorder may go from feeling very happy to feeling very depressed, or from feeling very energetic to feeling very tired.

The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can vary depending on which type of disorder a person has. However, there are some common symptoms that are associated with all types of Bipolar Disorder. These include:

Extreme Mood Swings (from highs to lows)
Unpredictable Behavior
Impulsive Decisions
Difficulty Concentrating
Fatigue
Restlessness
Irritability
Depressed Moods
Anxiety
Isolation
Sleep Disturbances
Suicidal Thoughts
Chronic Pain of Unknown Origin

Mania and Hypomania

There are two types of episodes: mania and hypomania. Although they typically present with the same symptoms, there are some key distinctions between the two. Mania is a more serious condition than hypomania, which manifests itself in more obvious difficulties at work, school, and in social situations. Mania can also cause a loss of touch with reality (psychosis) that may require hospitalization. Symptoms of both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of the following:

Abnormally upbeat, jumpy, or hyper
Increased activity, energy, or irritation
(euphoria) A euphoric feeling of well-being and self-confidence
insomnia
Excessive and unusual talkativeness.
Racing thoughts
Distractibility
Unwise decision-making, such as going on spending sprees, having unprotected sex, or participating in high-risk activities.

How to Get Diagnosed for Bipolar Disorder?

A physical examination and some blood tests will usually be done by your General Practitioner to diagnose Bipolar Disorder. These tests are used to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will also ask about your medical history and family history. They may also ask you about your moods, thoughts, and behavior. It's important to be honest, as this can help them to make an accurate diagnosis. If you're diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, it's important to get treatment as soon as possible.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating Bipolar Disorder. The type of treatment that's right for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms, your other medical conditions, and your preferences.

Is There a Cure for Bipolar Disorder?

There is no cure for Bipolar Disorder, but it is a treatable condition.

How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

If you're diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, you'll likely be referred to a mental health specialist for further treatment. With treatment, most people with Bipolar Disorder are able to lead normal, healthy lives.

Medication

The most common treatment for Bipolar Disorder is medication. The type of medication that you'll be prescribed will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Medication can help to stabilize your moods and make them less severe. At Valenta Mental Health, we do not prescribe medication. Instead, we employ therapeutic modalities.

Therapy

Therapy is also an important part of treatment for Bipolar Disorder. Talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can also be helpful in managing the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder. Talking to a therapist can help you grasp your disorder, as well as manage your symptoms. Group or individual settings are available for therapy sessions.

Valenta Mental Health offers both individual and group therapy. Our individual therapy sessions are conducted by our team of experienced therapists. In our group therapy sessions, you'll be able to share your experiences with other people who have Bipolar Disorder. Group therapy can be a very helpful way to learn from others and to feel less alone.

If you have Bipolar Disorder, it's important to stick to your treatment plan and to attend all of your appointments. It's also important to find a support system of family and friends who can offer you emotional support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. Bipolar Disorder is a serious condition that may be highly debilitating, but many people with the disease are able to live normal, healthy lives when treated, so please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to assist you.

🏢 Valenta Mental Health
🏢 9479 Haven Avenue
🏢 Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730

☎️ Eating Disorders: 909-771-8023
☎️ Depression/Anxiety: 909-719-7979
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Serving Inland Empire, San Bernardino, Corona, Ontario, Eastvale, Upland, Colton, West Covina, Pomona, Upland, Fontana, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange County and throughout the state of California