The road to diagnosing bipolar disorder hasn’t always been a clear one, as the condition combines elements of different mental health issues, such as major depressive disorder. Today, we have a clearer understanding of bipolar disorder and its signs, and the team here at Prime Psychiatry wants to share some of this information here.
Bipolar basics
While we may have used the word, “basics,” in the title of this section, bipolar disorder is anything but basic.
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition in which there are extreme shifts in mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Also called manic-depressive disorder, this condition affects nearly 3% of adults in the United States.
There are three types of bipolar disorder, which include:
- Bipolar I disorder: Manic episodes lasting at least a week or the development of extreme manic symptoms that require hospitalization. In addition to manic episodes, depressive episodes can develop, which typically last two weeks or more.
- Bipolar II disorder: A pattern of manic and depressive episodes that aren’t as severe as bipolar I.
- Cyclothymic disorder: Ongoing periods of both manic and depressive episodes that last two years or more (one year in adolescents), though the symptoms of each may not qualify, diagnostically, as hypomania or depression.
As you can see by these descriptions, diagnosing bipolar disorder can be difficult, since it requires a larger picture that demonstrates certain patterns.
Three common signs of bipolar disorder
We’ve referred to periods of mania and depression, and we want to flesh these out a little bit so you can better identify a pattern that might indicate bipolar disorder.
With that in mind, let’s take a look a closer look at the three components of bipolar disorder:
1. Mania
A manic episode goes far beyond simply feeling great, as the person experiences:
- A feeling of being invincible, which encourages reckless and risky behaviors
- Delusions of grandeur
- A surge of energy
- Racing thoughts
- Inability to sleep
These episodes can be dangerous, requiring hospitalization to avoid self-harm or harm to others.
2. Depression
When a person with bipolar disorder experiences a period of depression, the symptoms are much the same as major depressive disorder and include:
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or guilt
- Overwhelming sadness
- A loss of interest
- Fatigue
- Difficulty with cognitive function
These symptoms are quite the opposite of a manic episode, which is why the condition is known as bipolar.
3. Patterns
The final component to recognizing bipolar disorder is to pay attention to patterns. If you or a loved one cycles through the highs and lows we describe above, this may be a clear sign of bipolar disorder. Understand that these episodes can vary in terms of severity, but when there’s a pattern, there’s cause for concern.
As you can see, bipolar disorder is complex, and we recommend that you come see us if you have any concerns. Our experienced staff of mental health experts understands the signs of bipolar disorder and knows how to treat the problem. To get started, please contact our office in Frisco, Texas, to set up an appointment.
