Bipolar Mood Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes unusual shifts in mood, ranging from extreme highs (mania or “manic” episodes) to lows (depression or “depressive” episode).

A person who has bipolar disorder also experiences changes in their energy, thinking, behavior, and sleep. During bipolar mood episodes, it is difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks, go to work or school, and maintain relationships.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

When a person has a manic episode, they feel overly excited, productive, and even invincible. On the other hand, when a person has a depressive episode, they feel extremely sad, hopeless, and tired. They may avoid friends, family, and participating in their usual activities. A severe manic or depressive episode may trigger psychotic symptoms, such as delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear). These drastic behavior changes usually cause concern among friends and family. Everyone’s experience with bipolar disorder is different, and the signs and symptoms vary:

A "manic" episode may include:

• Intense feelings of euphoria, excitement, or happiness

• Appearing abnormally jumpy or wired

• Having excessive energy

• Insomnia or restlessness (a decreased need for sleep)

• Speaking fast or being unusually talkative

• Having racing or jumbled thoughts

• Distractibility

• Inflated self-esteem

• Doing impulsive, uncharacteristic, or risky things like having unsafe sex or spending a lot of money

• Increased agitation and irritability

• Hypomania

A "depressive" episode may include:

• Feeling down, sad, worried, worthless, anxious, guilty, empty, or hopeless

• Lack of interest, or no interest, in activities

• Feeling tired, low energy

• Forgetfulness

• Indecisiveness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in sleep, either sleeping too much or too little

• Changes in appetite, either eating too much or too little

• Thoughts of death and/or suicide

Bipolar disorder is treatable with a combination of medication and therapy.

• Medications: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can help manage mood swings and other symptoms. It is important to understand the benefits and risks of medications. People may need to try different medications before determining which works best for them. They should never stop taking a medication without their doctor’s guidance.

• “Talk therapy” (psychotherapy): Therapy helps people accept their disorder, recognize the warning signs of a manic or depressive episode, develop coping skills for handling stress, and stick with a medication schedule. Therapy also improves communication and relationships among families.

• Long-term, continuous treatment: While there may be times between episodes where a person feels fine, a long-term, continuous treatment plan can reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings.

These healthy lifestyle habits, along with professional treatment, can help manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder:

• Keep a consistent sleeping schedule. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Being sleep deprived can put people at risk for manic or depressive episodes. Sleeping more than usual may be a sign of a depressive episode. Limit caffeine, which can disrupt sleep.

• Eat well and get regular exercise. A healthy diet will give your body proper nutrition, and exercise may help improve your mood.

• Always take your medicine as prescribed. You should do this even when your mood is stable.

• Check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter supplements or any medications prescribed by another doctor.

• Keep a mood journal. By tracking how you feel day-to-day, you can notice triggers, monitor how your treatment is working, and spot changes in your eating or sleeping patterns. This written information can be especially helpful to your doctor if your medication needs to be adjusted.

• Keep your primary care physician updated. They are an important part of the long-term management of bipolar disorder, even if you also see a psychiatrist.

• Avoid using alcohol and other drugs.

• Minimize stress. Simplify your life when possible. Try relaxation activities, like meditation or yoga.

• Maintain a support network, of family and friends there to help during a crisis. Educate your loved ones about bipolar disorder so they can best support you. Ask them to help you recognize the warning signs of manic or depressive episodes.