Recognizing Bipolar Disorder in Adults

People who live with bipolar disorder can go through a rollercoaster of moods. First, they can go through a period of mania and feel like they could take on the whole world. Then, they can fall into a deep depression.

For many people who do not have knowledge of mood disorders, bipolar disorder can be confusing, and people who have it are often negatively stereotyped. This is why getting the right information out there is so important.

A person who can recognize the signs of bipolar disorder can help themselves or a loved one to seek help. Here is information about the mood disorder and how to recognize it in adults.

What exactly is bipolar disorder?

It is a mental condition that causes drastic mood swings. It is characterized by two phases known as mania and depression, hence its other name, "manic depression." The manic phase is preceded or followed by a depressive phase.

Each phase can last anywhere from a week to a few months. One phase can start right after the other ends, but some people have periods of stability in between the manic and depressive phases.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

During the manic phase, a person with bipolar disorder may experience euphoria, excess energy levels, irritability, and a lack of inhibition. They will also feel like they can do anything they set their minds to.

Their thoughts will be jumbled, and they will talk loudly or at a hundred miles a minute. The result of an unmanaged manic episode can be poor judgment, which can lead to misadventure or in severe cases, a psychotic break.

After the mania comes the depression, which presents with the following symptoms:

• A feeling of despair
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping all day)
• Becoming distressed over the smallest things
• Being unable to do basic things like getting out of bed, taking a shower, or going to work or school
• Difficulty concentrating or forming ordered thoughts
• Drastic changes in appetite and as a result, dramatic weight gain or loss
• In severe cases, contemplating suicide and possibly acting on such thoughts

The signs of bipolar disorder may seem easy to identify on paper, but in reality, it can take a while for a person to be properly diagnosed.

Why does it take so long to diagnose?

One reason is that other disorders often accompany bipolar disorder. A person with both a substance abuse problem and bipolar disorder is hard to diagnose.

A person who is hungover or coming down from a high will have symptoms of depression. When they are drunk or high, their mania can be dismissed as the effects of drugs or alcohol.

Another reason is that bipolar disorder can be mistaken for depression, especially in people with less pronounced manic episodes. Also, a person who does not live with people who can observe them may be unable to self-assess. The medical professional treating the patient will have incomplete information.

A third reason is that a person can suffer from bipolar disorder and a second mental health condition. These conditions could mask the manic-depressive episodes.

Bipolar disorder can be managed

Once a person is diagnosed, their doctor will create a treatment plan, which involves finding the right medication to stabilize the patient’s moods. The doctor will also recommend therapy to complement the medication.

Frequently asked questions about bipolar disorder

Let us go over a few of the questions that many people have about bipolar disorder and getting treatment for it.

1. What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental ailment that causes people to experience extreme mood changes. These changes can include periods of very high energy and activity (known as mania) followed by periods of low energy and depression.

2. How common is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder affects around one in 100 people, which means it is relatively common. However, it is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, so the true prevalence may be higher.

3. What causes bipolar disorder?

The exact origin of bipolar disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

4. What are the signs of bipolar disorder?

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary depending on which stage of the illness a person is in. During a manic phase, a person may experience increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior. During a depressive phase, a person may experience low energy, sadness, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.

5. How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is a guidebook that mental health professionals use to diagnose mental illnesses.

6. How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder is typically treated with a blend of medication and psychotherapy. Medication is typically used to stabilize a person's mood, while psychotherapy is used to help a person understand and manage their symptoms.

Reach out for help

If you or someone you know is showing signs of bipolar disorder, reach out to us to get the help that you need.

Request an appointment here: https://www.hopetmsofny.com or call Hope TMS and Neuropsychiatric Center at (646) 578-8152 for an appointment in our New York office.

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