Psychology: Bipolar Disorder

Written by: Caroline Kim

October 5th 2024

In this week’s continuation of the psychology series, we’ll dive into Bipolar Disorder, exploring what the condition entails. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is “characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that affect a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks”. The NIMH states that in the past year, 2.8% of adults had Bipolar Disorder and that 4.4% of Americans experience the condition at some point in their lives; in children, 2.9% have bipolar disorder and was more prevalent in females. It is important to note that Bipolar Disorder can significantly disrupt day to day life and that severe impairments from the condition are not uncommon. 

There are 3 types of bipolar disorder that we will discuss today: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, and Cyclothymic Disorder. Bipolar I Disorder is defined by the NIMH as manic episodes that last at least 7 days, with severe symptoms that require medical attention; depressive episodes also occur and last for at least 2 weeks. Experiencing 4 or more of these cycles within a year are characterized as “rapid cycling” (National Institute of Health). Bipolar II Disorder is described as “a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes… hypomanic episodes are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder” (National Institute of Health). Last but not least is Cyclothymic Disorder in which there is a recurrence of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not as severe to be characterized as episodes. Other more specific types of Bipolar Disorder exist and are often caused by other medical conditions or substances. “The average age of onset is 25 years, but, more rarely, it can start as early as early childhood or as late as in your 40s or 50s” (Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional). 

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder vary from manic episodes to depressive episodes. Common manic episode symptoms include but are not limited to being more energetic/active than usual, feeling overconfident, needing less sleep, being talkative, and making impulsive/poor decisions (Mayo Clinic Staff). In very severe cases, symptoms of psychosis can occur, including hallucinations and delusions (Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional). On the other hand, depressive episodes consist of feeling sad/hopeless, disinterest, change in eating/weight fluctuations, sleeping too much/too little, and thoughts of suicide (Mayo Clinic Staff). In mixed episodes, individuals may experience a mix of manic and depressive symptoms (negative feelings and high energy), which is described by some as the worst part of the disorder (Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional).

The main causes of Bipolar Disorder include genetics and biological differences. Those with a sibling or parent with the condition are much more likely to develop the disorder; in addition, those with the condition appear to have a physical change in their brains (Mayo Clinic Staff). Other risk factors could include stress, anxiety, or substance abuse. A few co-occuring conditions with Bipolar Disorder could be anxiety disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, and borderline personality traits/disorders. If left untreated, Bipolar Disorder can lead to substance abuse, suicide/attempts of suicide, financial problems, poor school performance, and difficulty getting along with others (Mayo Clinic Staff). 

Diagnosis of the disorder involves a physical exam, review of medical history, medical tests, and mental health evaluations ((Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional). Treatment options for Bipolar Disorder include medications and psychotherapy. According to the NIMH, common medications include mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics as well as medications that target sleep or anxiety. Options for psychotherapy may include talk therapies, cognitive behavior therapies, and interpersonal focused therapies. These can assist with managing troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors; they can also help alleviate insomnia and interpersonal relations (National Institute of Health). A few other listed treatment options include Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and light therapy (National Institute of Health). 

Sources:

1. National Institute of Health. “Bipolar Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder. Accessed 04 Oct. 2024. 

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Bipolar Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 Aug. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955. Accessed 04 Oct. 2024. 

3. Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional. “Bipolar Disorder.” Cleveland Clinic, 9 Sept. 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9294-bipolar-disorder. Accessed 04 Oct. 2024.