Bipolar Disorder. Learn What It Is and How To Treat It

A man viewing the world through a bipolar disorder (BD) cutout

WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER (also known as BD)?

In essence, it is a severe lifelong mood disorder causing alternating episodes of “highs” [elevated mood or mania] and “lows” [depressed mood]. ^{1, 2}
Furthermore, there are two types of Bipolar disorder. Bipolar 1 disorder affects men and women equally, while bipolar 2 is more common in women. ²

BIPOLAR 1 DISORDER: One or more episodes of mania with or without major depressive episodes. ^{2, 3}

BIPOLAR 2 DISORDER: One or more episodes of hypomania (less elevated mood) as well as at least one major depressive episode. ^{2, 3}It also presents with shorter bouts of depression than bipolar 1. ⁴

Additionally, anxiety, substance use/dependence, and personality disorders are common to both. ⁴

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SYMPTOMS OF “HIGHS” (MANIA)
SYMPTOMS OF “LOWS”
PHASES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER
WHO DOES BD AFFECT?
HOW DOES IT IMPACT QUALITY OF LIFE?
CAN IT BE TREATED?
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

SYMPTOMS OF “HIGHS” (MANIA)

An elevated or irritable mood which is often cheerful and joking but is unstable. There can also be extreme irritability and hostility
Overabundant energy and activity and rapid, pressured speech
A rush of ideas
Impulsive and inappropriate behaviour
Grandiose delusions (e.g. delusions of inventive genius or aristocratic birth)
Overoptimistic about one’s abilities
Severe insomnia

SYMPTOMS OF “LOWS”

Depressed mood
Lack of interest or pleasure
Change in appetite
Insomnia/hypersomnia
Excessive guilt feelings
Ideas or acts of self-harm or suicide
Reduced self-esteem and self-confidence
Reduced concentration and attention

Mania is probably the most well-recognised feature of BPD. Even so, most people spend far more time in depressive episodes than in elevated and mixed mood episodes. ⁶

A depressed man sitting on the floor, possibly suffering from Bipolar Disorder

PHASES OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

A graphic illustrating the phases of bd

WHO DOES BIPOLAR DISORDER AFFECT?

The first symptoms of BD often present at 15 to 19 years of age. ² There is often a family history of bipolar disorder, bullying at school and attempts of suicide/self-harm. ⁵
MEN ⁷

Early onset bd is often associated with manic episodes
Higher probability of childhood antisocial behaviour
Higher rates of comorbid alcohol abuse/dependence
Cannabis abuse/dependence
Pathological gambling

WOMEN ⁷

More depressive episodes
Higher rates of comorbid eating disorders
Weight change
Insomnia

HOW DOES IT IMPACT QUALITY OF LIFE?

Bipolar disorder impacts quality of life in the following ways:

Affects work functioning and is responsible for loss of productivity and increased illness and absenteeism. In fact, 72% of bipolar patients receive disability payments.¹
BD is associated with increased substance use/dependence and the excessive use of alcohol and smoking. ^{1, 5}
It Increases the likelihood of having other psychiatric and medical conditions. ¹
It Increases the risk of suicide, especially during major depressive episodes. ⁸

CAN SPECIALISTS TREAT BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Yes, Effective treatment is certainly available for BD. However, despite advances in medical and non-medical treatments, BD often has many relapses and affects psychological functioning. ⁷
Long-term treatment is aimed at preventing manic and depressive episodes. Specialists strongly recommend Long-term treatment because even after one episode, the chances of having recurrences in a lifetime is 95%. ⁶Therefore, treatment of BD is often lifelong, and treatment specialists need to review the condition at least every six months. ²

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

The first step to effective long-term treatment is to discuss your bipolar symptoms with your general practitioner or a healthcare professional at your local day clinic or hospital.