Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition where the person experiences dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Unlike the everyday ups and downs that most people experience, bipolar I disorder is a persistent and disruptive force in the lives of those affected.
An estimated 4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives. Recognizing the signs and episodes of bipolar I is crucial for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and treatment. Here’s everything you need to know about this common mental health disorder.
Understanding Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings. In bipolar I disorder, individuals experience episodes of mania, which are intense periods of elevated mood, energy, and activity. Manic episodes typically last at least one week, although they can be shorter if hospitalization is required.
In some cases, individuals with bipolar I disorder may also experience depressive episodes characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. There’s also rapid cycling, where individuals go through four or more episodes of mania or depression within one year.
What Differentiates Bipolar I from Bipolar II?
Bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder are two distinct subtypes of bipolar disorder. They differ primarily in the nature and severity of the manic episodes experienced. While bipolar I disorder is marked by its manic episodes, bipolar II disorder individuals experience hypomanic episodes.
Bipolar II hypomanic episodes are less severely increased energy episodes than full-blown manic ones from bipolar I, but they can still have a significant impact on daily functioning. In bipolar II disorder, patients also suffer from depressive episodes, which tend to be more frequent and longer-lasting than hypomanic episodes.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
According to the American Psychiatric Association, bipolar I disorder is characterized primarily by 7-day manic episodes, often accompanied by depressive episodes. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination, an interview, and specific medical tests to rule out other causes.
Manic Episodes
A manic episode in bipolar I disorder is a prolonged period of unusually intense emotion, energy, and activity levels. Symptoms include:
- Elevated Mood: Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism, or inflated self-esteem.
- Increased Activity: A noticeable increase in goal-directed activities or physical restlessness may occur.
- Rapid Speech: Talking more than usual or feeling pressure to keep talking.
- Racing Thoughts: Experiencing a flight of ideas or subjective sense that thoughts are racing.
- Decreased Need for Sleep: Feeling rested after only a few hours.
- Distractibility: Easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli.
- Impulsive Behavior: Engaging in high-risk behaviors like reckless driving or spending sprees.
Depressive Episodes
While not required for the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, depressive episodes are common and can be severely debilitating. Symptoms include:
- Persistent Sadness: Ongoing feelings of sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness.
- Loss of Interest: Diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities.
- Weight Changes: Significant weight loss when not dieting, weight gain, or decreased or increased appetite.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or sleeping too much.
- Fatigue: Loss of energy or increased fatigue.
- Feelings of Worthlessness: Excessive or inappropriate guilt.
- Suicidal Thoughts: Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact causes of bipolar I disorder are not entirely understood, researchers indicate that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors could make an individual prone to develop the disorder.
- Genetic Factors: individuals with a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder may have an increased likelihood of developing the disorder themselves.
- Environmental Factors: Significant life events, such as the death of a loved one, abuse, or other traumatic events, can trigger the onset of bipolar I disorder or exacerbate its symptoms.
- Neurological Factors: Newer imaging techniques have revealed variations in the brain structure and how it works in people with bipolar I disorder. These differences might play a role in the symptoms and progression of the disorder.
Treatment Options
Effective treatment for bipolar I disorder typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
- Medication: mood stabilizers like lithium and valproate tend to be the cornerstone of bipolar disorder medication. In cases where mood stabilizers alone are insufficient, antipsychotics may be prescribed.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals recognize and change harmful thinking and behavior patterns. Family-focused therapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) are also used to treat this disorder.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding substances like alcohol and recreational drugs, and establishing a sleep routine can help stabilize mood swings.
Living with Bipolar I
Individuals and their families can get through the disorder’s challenges in their daily lives with effective coping strategies.
For Individuals with Bipolar I Disorder
- Adherence to Treatment: Consistently following prescribed medications and therapy and regular communication with healthcare providers are crucial.
- Awareness of Triggers: Identifying and understanding personal triggers for manic or depressive episodes can help in managing the disorder. This might include stress, lack of sleep, or substance use.
- Routine and Structure: Maintaining a routine, especially for sleep and daily activities, can provide stability and reduce the frequency of mood swings.
- Support Networks: Building a solid support network, including family, friends, and support groups, provides an essential resource for coping with the disorder.
For Families and Caregivers
- Education and Understanding: Educating oneself about bipolar disorder helps in providing adequate support and reduces the stigma associated with the condition.
- Communication: Listening actively and offering support without dismissing the individual’s feelings is essential.
- Support for Self-Care: Encouraging and facilitating self-care practices for individuals with bipolar I is essential. This includes supporting their treatment plan and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.
- Seeking Support for Themselves: Caregivers also need support. Seeking their support networks or therapy can help in managing the stress and challenges of caring for someone with bipolar I disorder.
Finding Help for Bipolar Disorder
The journey through understanding and living with bipolar I disorder involves recognizing the nuances of its manic and depressive episodes, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of its causes and risk factors, and navigating through the comprehensive treatment options available.
It’s important to remember that while bipolar I disorder is a lifelong condition, it does not define an individual’s entire life or potential. With the right approach and support system, individuals living with bipolar I disorder can lead fulfilling, productive lives and navigate the challenges that come with the condition.
At Onyx Behavioral Health, we are here to support you on your journey toward managing bipolar I disorder and regaining control of your life. Our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans and compassionate care. Contact us today to discover how our comprehensive program can help you thrive and embrace a brighter future.
Michaela Welk, LMHC
Bunny Berman
Tank
Richard E. LoSardo, MD
Christopher Payne
Bernard Benjamin
Tiffany Bellino