Symptoms
Teens with bipolar disorder experience extreme highs (manic episodes) and lows (depression) and sometimes a mix of both simultaneously. Their symptoms can last several days or weeks and come out of the blue. “As the illness progresses, teens can also experience psychosis ,” Francis says.
Causes
Treatment - Bipolar disorder
- Treatment options for bipolar disorder. If a person is not treated, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last for between 3 and 6 months. ...
- Medicines for bipolar disorder. ...
- Lithium. ...
- Anticonvulsant medicines. ...
- Antipsychotic medicines. ...
- Rapid cycling. ...
- Learning to recognise triggers. ...
- Psychological treatment. ...
- Pregnancy and bipolar medicines. ...
Complications
What are signs of bipolar in a man? Mania can cause other symptoms as well, but seven of the key signs of this phase of bipolar disorder are: feeling overly happy or “high” for long periods of time. having a decreased need for sleep. talking very fast, often with racing thoughts.
What are the initial symptoms of a bipolar disorder?
Signs of Bipolar: How to Tell If Someone Is Manic
- Long Emotional Peaks and Valleys. Perhaps the most instantly recognizable of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, this includes being on “high highs” and “low lows” for extended periods of ...
- Short Attention Span. This sign probably isn’t one you’ll want to use for answering the question of how to tell if someone is bipolar.
- Dangerous Risk Taking. ...
What are the possible treatments for bipolar disorder?
What are signs that a man is bipolar?
How to tell if someone is bipolar?
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What are 5 signs of a person that is bipolar?
Symptoms - Bipolar disorderfeeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time.lacking energy.difficulty concentrating and remembering things.loss of interest in everyday activities.feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.feelings of guilt and despair.feeling pessimistic about everything.self-doubt.More items...
What are 3 treatments for bipolar disorder?
The primary treatments for bipolar disorder include medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) to control symptoms, and also may include education and support groups....MedicationsMood stabilizers. ... Antipsychotics. ... Antidepressants. ... Antidepressant-antipsychotic. ... Anti-anxiety medications.
What are the top 3 bipolar symptoms?
Common signs of bipolar disorderfeeling overly happy or “high” for long periods of time.feeling jumpy or “wired”having a reduced need for sleep.talking very fast, often with racing thoughts and rapid changes of topic.feeling extremely restless or impulsive.becoming easily distracted.More items...
What is the best form of treatment for bipolar disorder?
The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Most people take more than one drug, like a mood-stabilizing drug and an antipsychotic or antidepressant.
How do I know if I'm bipolar?
To receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, you must experience at least one period of mania or hypomania. These both involve feelings of excitement, impulsivity, and high energy, but hypomania is considered less severe than mania. Mania symptoms can affect your day-to-day life, leading to problems at work or home.
What are bipolar 1 symptoms?
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder?Flying suddenly from one idea to the next.Rapid, "pressured" (uninterruptible), and loud speech.Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep.Inflated self-image.Excessive spending.Hypersexuality.Substance abuse.
What are the 7 signs of bipolar disorder?
7 Signs to Look ForDecreased need for sleep. ... Restlessness and agitation. ... Racing thoughts and accelerated speech. ... Overconfidence and Impulsive Acts. ... Withdrawal from Family, Friends and Activities. ... Preoccupation with death and thoughts of suicide. ... Change in appetite and sleep.
What triggers bipolar?
Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event. Drug or alcohol abuse.
What is the main cause of bipolar disorder?
Genes. Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and research suggests that this is mostly explained by heredity—people with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the disorder. But genes are not the only factor.
How do doctors treat bipolar disorder?
Typically, treatment entails a combination of at least one mood-stabilizing drug and/or atypical antipsychotic, plus psychotherapy. The most widely used drugs for the treatment of bipolar disorder include lithium carbonate and valproic acid (also known as Depakote or generically as divalproex).
How do you calm a bipolar person?
Here are 10 steps you can take to help someone with bipolar disorder:Educate yourself. The more you know about bipolar disorder, the more you'll be able to help. ... Listen. ... Be a champion. ... Be active in their treatment. ... Make a plan. ... Support, don't push. ... Be understanding. ... Don't neglect yourself.More items...
Does bipolar worsen with age?
Changes in the frequency and severity of episodes are among the most evident changes in bipolar disorder at an older age. Research suggests that older adults with bipolar disorder often experience: more frequent episodes. more depressive episodes and less time spent in manic or hypomanic states.
What are the different types of bipolar disorder?
There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life. Bipolar I disorder.
How to prevent bipolar disorder from getting worse?
If you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, some strategies can help prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown episodes of mania or depression: Pay attention to warning signs. Addressing symptoms early on can prevent episodes from getting worse.
What to do if you have bipolar thoughts?
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately, go to an emergency room, or confide in a trusted relative or friend .
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities.
How often do mood swings occur?
Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, ...
What are the symptoms of manic and hypomanic?
Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms: Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired. Increased activity, energy or agitation. Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
How long do you have cyclothymic disorder?
Cyclothymic disorder. You've had at least two years — or one year in children and teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression). Other types.
How to tell if someone has bipolar disorder?
The most telling are periods of hypomania or mania. Reviewing history from close friends and family is often very helpful to distinguish bipolar disorder from major depression. If you or someone you know has symptoms of bipolar disorder, see your family healthcare provider or a psychiatrist.
What is the best medication for bipolar disorder?
Slight trembling of hands. Other antiseizure medicines often used to treat bipolar disorder include carbamazepine (Tegretol®) and lamotrigine (Lamictal®). Lamotrigine is used alone or in combination with other mood stabilizer medications.
Why is bipolar disorder called a manic episode?
Because of the highs and the lows – or two poles of mood – the condition is referred to as "bipolar” disorder. However, patients’ moods may not necessarily follow a cyclic pattern, and sometimes the highs and lows can be experienced at the same time (mixed state). The hallmark of bipolar illness is the occurrence of the manic episode.
What are the three phases of bipolar disorder?
Proposed guidelines for treatment options are based on the three main phases of bipolar disorder, which include the acutemanic/mixed mood states, acute major depressive episodes, and finally the continuation/maintenance phase.
How many manic episodes are there for bipolar?
In fact, by definition, to meet the criteria for bipolar disorder, patients must have at least one manic episode in their lifetime with or without ever experiencing a depressive episode. The word “hypomania” or “manic” describes the periods when the person feels overly excited and confident.
Why is it important to screen for mania?
Because the symptoms are similar, sometimes people with bipolar depression are incorrectly diagnosed as having major depression. This is why it is especially important to screen for mania. Most individuals with bipolar disorder spend three times the amount of time in depressed phases than in manic phases.
What are the factors that affect bipolar disorder?
Genetics. Changes in the brain. Environmental factors like stress and major life changes. More research is being done to determine the relationship that these factors have in bipolar disorder, how they may help prevent its onset, and what role they may play in its treatment.
What is the term for a manic episode?
Periods of psychosis (losing touch with reality) can occur in the manic phase. A severe manic episode may involve suicidal or violent behavior, aggressiveness, psychosis (delusions or hallucinations), and putting others at risk of harm. Bipolar I disorder has also been referred to as manic-depression.
What is the manic phase?
During manic periods, a person with bipolar disorder may be overly impulsive and energetic, with an exaggerated sense of self. The depressive phase brings overwhelming feelings of anxiety, low self-worth, and suicidal thoughts or actions. These changes in mood and behavior can be unpredictable.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
tendency to be easily distracted. little need for sleep (feel energetic or "wired" even though only few hours of sleep, or no sleep at all) easily agitated or irritated, anger. poor temper control. Manic symptoms in bipolar I disorder can occur abruptly and may progress rapidly over several days.
Why is it important to diagnose bipolar disorder?
Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is important, as those who have experienced one manic episode are at risk of another episode without treatment. In order to make a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, your physician will consider a number of factors in addition to your symptoms.
How many symptoms are there in bipolar 2?
The depressed phase of both bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder involves symptoms similar to major depressive disorder, and includes at least 5 of the following symptoms occurring in the same 2-week period (with at least one symptom either 1. depressed mood or 2. loss of interest or pleasure). The symptoms lead to significant impairment in social functioning or ability to work. These symptoms are not specifically due to another medical condition or substance abuse.
How old do you have to be to get bipolar?
Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally and usually appears between the ages of 15 and 30. The mean age of onset is 18 to 20 years. People older than 65 years of age are not usually first diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Why do people with bipolar disorder have a genetic component?
It may result in an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, and medications can help to reset these imbalances.
What is ECT therapy?
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT is a brain stimulation procedure that can help people get relief from severe symptoms of bipolar disorder. With modern ECT, a person usually goes through a series of treatment sessions over several weeks. ECT is delivered under general anesthesia and is safe.
How long does a manic period last?
Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes. Bipolar I Disorder— defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.
Why is it important to take a medical history of bipolar disorder?
Taking a careful medical history is essential to ensure that bipolar disorder is not mistaken for major depression. This is especially important when treating an initial episode of depression as antidepressant medications can trigger a manic episode in people who have an increased chance of having bipolar disorder.
How to help someone with bipolar disorder?
Proper diagnosis and treatment can help people with bipolar disorder lead healthy and active lives. Talking with a doctor or other licensed health care provider is the first step. The health care provider can complete a physical exam and order necessary medical tests to rule out other conditions. The health care provider may then conduct a mental health evaluation or provide a referral to a trained mental health care provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker who has experience in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Signs and Symptoms. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and uncharacteristic behaviors —often without recognizing their likely harmful or undesirable effects. These distinct periods are called “mood episodes.”.
When does bipolar disorder start?
Bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. Occasionally, bipolar symptoms can appear in children. Bipolar disorder can also first appear during a woman’s pregnancy or following childbirth.
What is the purpose of psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It can provide support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families.
What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?
Treatment for bipolar disorder is aimed to reduce depressive and manic symptoms, and will include mood stabilizers like lithium and certain anticonvulsants. Other drugs for bipolar disorder include second-generation antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and electroconvulsive therapy.
How long does bipolar last?
Bipolar disorder symptoms will last for days, weeks, and even months at a time. Unlike ordinary mood swings, the depressive and manic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder can get so intense that they interfere with a person’s everyday activities.
What does it mean when you have a bipolar mood?
Having a great mood: As mentioned, a person with bipolar disorder experiences uncontrollable highs and lows. During the high times, the person is in a manic or hypomanic state. This is where the person feels good and has a lot of energy.
How many people have bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder was formerly called manic depression, and it affects over 10 million people in the U.S., according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Bipolar disorder symptoms in men and woman present differently, but the disorder affects both sexes in equal numbers.
Why do people with bipolar feel tired?
People with bipolar disorder will feel so tired that they won’t want to get out of bed. The person will also sleep longer than usual, and they lack motivation to do anything. Severe fatigue is common during the depression phrase, but it may also be an issue during times of mania.
What neurotransmitters are involved in bipolar disorder?
Neurotransmitter deficiencies related with bipolar disorder include serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), histamine, and norepinephrine or noradrenaline.
What happens when you are bipolar?
5. Rapid or slowed speech: When a bipolar person is in a hypomanic state they will experience hyperactivity, which will lead to rapid or pressured speech.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Alternative Medicine
Coping and Support
- To determine if you have bipolar disorder, your evaluation may include: 1. Physical exam.Your doctor may do a physical exam and lab tests to identify any medical problems that could be causing your symptoms. 2. Psychiatric assessment.Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist, who will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings and b…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Treatment is best guided by a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (psychiatrist) who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You may have a treatment team that also includes a psychologist, social worker and psychiatric nurse. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. Treatment is directed at managing symptoms. Depending on your needs, treatment may include: 1. Medications.Often, you'll n…