What is bipolar disorder?

Key Terms

• Mania: Mania describes an extreme high emotional state for individuals with bipolar disorder. An individual with bipolar in a manic episode can experience unusually high energy and euphoria sustained over an extended period.
• Hypomania: An extreme high emotional state for individuals with bipolar disorder. Though the symptoms are like that of a manic episode, individuals in a hypomanic episode experience high energy and euphoria over a shorter period and normally exhibit less severe behaviors.
• Depression: A depressive episode in an individual with bipolar disorder is characterized by profound feelings of sadness and hopelessness, a loss of pleasure in activities, weight loss, and suicidal ideation.

The different types of Bipolar Disorder.

Though there are several ways that bipolar disorder can present, there are two primary types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I and Bipolar II.

• Bipolar I: Bipolar I is characterized by extended episodes of depression and mania. Individuals with Bipolar I may return to a normal mood state between the extreme mood changes, known as euthymia.
• Bipolar II: Bipolar II is characterized by episodes of depression and hypomania that last a shorter time than episodes experienced in individuals with Bipolar I. Like Bipolar I, an individual with Bipolar II may return to a euthymic state between the extreme mood changes.

A note on Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic Disorder is very similar to bipolar disorder; however, individuals with Cyclothymic Disorder experience emotional highs and lows to lesser extremes than those with Bipolar Disorder. Because of Cyclothymic Disorder’s symptomatic similarities, it is commonly classified as a type of bipolar disorder.

How is Bipolar Disorder treated?

There are several methods for treating bipolar disorder. Varying methods are used to account for individual differences, preferences, and severity of symptoms.

• Medication: Medication can be a highly effective way to treat bipolar disorder. By targeting the neurotransmitters that cause the extreme changes in mood, medication allows individuals living with bipolar disorder to manage distressing symptoms of mania and depression. Common medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety medications.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a therapy modality that focuses on helping a person identify unhealthy or negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy and positive beliefs and behaviors. This type of talk therapy allows individuals with bipolar disorder to explore triggers associated with Bipolar episodes and learn effective strategies for managing stress associated with distressing symptoms.
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT): IPSRT is a type of talk therapy focused on the relationship between stability and daily rhythms, such as sleep, eating, and exercise. By learning practical skills and routine management, IPSRT teaches individuals with bipolar disorder to manage extreme changes in mood by incorporating healthy routines into their daily lives.
• Psychoeducation: Psychoeducation is an important part of treating bipolar disorder. By understanding the causes of bipolar disorder and the effects that it can have on your mood, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning, learning about bipolar disorder can encourage communication and support for individuals with their loved ones.

What can I do about it?

If you think you have bipolar disorder, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. In the United States today, over 2.3 million Americans struggle with bipolar disorder. Better Life Therapy offers comprehensive treatment for bipolar disorder with our team of dedicated professionals. Call today to book your first appointment.