Courtesy of Western New York Psychiatry and Counseling

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that tens of millions of individuals around the globe live with bipolar disorder. Despite its prevalence, many people have misconceptions about bipolar disorder, including the false notion that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are one and the same. A greater understanding of the disorder can help the millions of people who have it, and may compel others to seek treatment that can be highly effective.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which mood swings from one extreme to another are the primary characteristic. Bipolar episodes may be manic or depressive, and each has its own unique characteristics. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that a person with bipolar disorder may experience both manic and depressive episodes. When a person is having an episode, the symptoms last a week or two, or even longer, and are present every day for most of the day.

What is a manic episode?

A manic episode is characterized by an extremely high mood. This may include feeling very up, high, elated, or extremely irritable or touchy; feeling wired and more active than usual; racing thoughts; a decreased need for sleep; speaking rapidly about various subjects, known as flight of ideas; excessive food appetite, drinking, sex, or other pleasurable activities; feeling able to perform many acts at once without growing tired; feeling unusually important, talented, or powerful.

What is a depressive episode?

Depressive episodes are marked by a depressed mood, making people feel sad, irritable, and/or empty. Those experiencing a depressive episode may lack interest or derive little pleasure from activities previously enjoyed; have difficulty concentrating or making decisions; experience changes in sleep patterns; speak slowly, find they have nothing to say, have frequent bouts of forgetfulness; feel unable to perform simple tasks; feel hopeless or worthless, or think about death or suicide.

Are symptoms the same for everyone?

Symptoms may be milder for some than others. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but research shows that people with certain genes are more likely to develop the condition than others.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

A health care provider will consider the severity, length, and frequency of an individual’s symptoms and experiences after conducting a physical exam to rule out other illnesses, and then refer the patient to a mental health provider.

Bipolar disorder affects tens of millions of people around the globe and often begins with depressive episodes in adolescence or early adulthood, leading many to initially be diagnosed with unipolar depression — only for manic symptoms to emerge later, typically in one’s 20s or 30s. That’s why a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional is crucial to understanding the full nature of mood symptoms and finding the right treatment. If you’re struggling, know that you are not alone — there is hope, there is help, and with the right support, you can lead a functional, fulfilling life.

Learn more about Western New York Psychiatry and Counseling at https://www.wnypsych.com, or call 716-635-5010 to make an appointment.