What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of depression and periods of unusually elevated, energetic, or irritable mood.

These changes are more significant than the normal ups and downs everyone experiences.

Depending on the type of bipolar disorder, a person may experience manic or hypomanic episodes as well as periods of depression.

Because symptoms can sometimes resemble those of depression, ADHD, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, a thorough psychiatric evaluation is important.

Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms vary depending on whether someone is experiencing a depressive, manic, or hypomanic episode.

During a Depressive Episode

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Low energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Withdrawing from others
• Thoughts about death or suicide

Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms vary depending on whether someone is experiencing a depressive, manic, or hypomanic episode.

During a Depressive Episode

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Low energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Withdrawing from others
• Thoughts about death or suicide

During a Manic or Hypomanic Episode

Symptoms may include:

• Unusually elevated or irritable mood
• Increased energy or activity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Racing thoughts
• Talking more or faster than usual
• Difficulty maintaining attention
• Increased confidence
• Impulsive or risky decisions
• Increased involvement in activities or projects

The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary significantly between individuals.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder
Typically involves at least one manic episode. Depressive episodes are also common but aren't required for a Bipolar I diagnosis.

Bipolar II Disorder
Involves episodes of depression along with hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is generally less severe than full mania but can still significantly affect a person's life.

Cyclothymic Disorder
Involves recurring periods of depressive and hypomanic symptoms that don't meet the full criteria for major depressive or hypomanic episodes.

Determining the specific pattern of symptoms is an important part of developing an appropriate treatment plan.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves more than identifying mood changes.

Your provider may discuss your symptoms, their duration and severity, sleep patterns, medical and mental health history, medications, family history, and previous episodes of depression or elevated mood.

It's particularly important to identify previous manic or hypomanic symptoms because bipolar depression can sometimes initially appear similar to major depression.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves more than identifying mood changes.

Your provider may discuss your symptoms, their duration and severity, sleep patterns, medical and mental health history, medications, family history, and previous episodes of depression or elevated mood.

It's particularly important to identify previous manic or hypomanic symptoms because bipolar depression can sometimes initially appear similar to major depression.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Treatment is individualized and may include medication management, psychotherapy or counseling, lifestyle strategies, or a combination of approaches.

Medication can play an important role in managing bipolar disorder. Ongoing psychiatric care allows your provider to evaluate your symptoms, monitor your response to treatment, discuss possible side effects, and make adjustments when appropriate.

At TruYou Psychiatry, you're part of the treatment process. Your provider will discuss your options and work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Living Well With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be a long-term condition, but appropriate treatment and ongoing care can help many people manage their symptoms and maintain fulfilling, productive lives.

Recognizing changes in mood, maintaining healthy routines, getting adequate sleep, following your treatment plan, and keeping regular appointments with your healthcare provider can all be important parts of managing the condition.

At TruYou Psychiatry, you are more than your diagnosis. Our goal is to understand the whole person and help you work toward greater stability and improved quality of life.

Take the Next Step

If significant changes in mood, energy, sleep, or behavior are affecting your life, a psychiatric evaluation can help determine what's happening and what treatment options may be appropriate.