Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterised by periods of extreme highs and lows. These are called manic and depressive episodes. Everyone experiences periods of happiness and sadness, but for those with bipolar disorder the changes in mood are extreme and can last for days or months.
During a manic episode the person feels energetic, euphoric, and ‘on top of the world’. They may be very active, irritable, have racing thoughts, and engage in risky behaviour. These manic symptoms last for at least one week. Depressive episodes last for at least two weeks during which a person feels very sad and hopeless, has low energy, and loses interest in things they used to enjoy.
There are different types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder is characterised by manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder involves depressive and hypomanic episodes. A hypomanic episode is less intense than a manic episode and only lasts four days. Cyclothymic disorder is characterised by at least two years of cycling between less intense hypomanic and depressive symptoms.
There is a strong genetic component to bipolar disorder. 80% to 90% of those with bipolar disorder have a relative who also has bipolar disorder or depression. Other risk factors include drug and alcohol abuse, stress, trauma, physical illness, and sleep problems.
- Experiencing periods of extreme high mood [mania] or low mood [depression] which last several days to months.
- Feeling euphoric, fantastic, energetic, ‘on top of the world’.
- Irritability
- Restlessness, increase in activity.
- Feeling jumpy, ‘on edge’, wired.
- Increase in risky behaviour and/or making poor decisions [e.g. use of drugs, spending money].
- Racing thoughts
- Easily distracted
- Psychosis - losing touch with reality.
- Feeling depressed, low mood, hopeless, worthless.
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Difficulty making decisions.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Changes in sleep - increased or decreased need for sleep.
- Increase or decrease in energy.
- Changes in appetite - increase or decrease in appetite
Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of psychological therapy and medication. This can help to effectively manage and reduce the intensity of symptoms. If you think you have bipolar disorder, speak with your GP. They may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.
Medication:
Antidepressants and mood stabilising medications are prescribed to treat depressive and manic symptoms. For more severe manic or depressive symptoms antipsychotics may be prescribed. Anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, may also be used short-term to improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Psychological Therapy:
Alongside medication, psychological therapy (talk therapy) is important. The aims of psychological therapy include identifying warning signs of mood episodes, learning ways to manage symptoms, and addressing other emotional issues.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a structured form of talk therapy which aims to identify and change unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours. CBT aims to help manage symptoms of bipolar disorder and address emotional issues.
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) is beneficial for many with bipolar disorder. It aims to help create consistent daily routines, such as sleep, exercise, and mealtime routines, in order to manage mood.
Day Treatment Programmes, Residential Programmes, and Hospitalisation:
While learning to manage symptoms of bipolar disorder, or when experiencing more intense symptoms, day treatment programmes or residential programmes may be beneficial. If symptoms are severe (e.g. psychosis), suicidal thoughts are present, or there is a danger to the individual or others, then hospitalisation may be required.
Other Treatments:
If symptoms do not improve with medication and psychological therapy then electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be used. ECT creates a small controlled seizure by passing electrical currents through the brain. This aims to change signalling within the brain. TMS involves sending short magnetic pulses into brain areas involved in mood regulation to stimulate nerve cells.
Other Ways to Manage Bipolar Disorder:
Other ways to improve general well-being and reduce symptoms include avoiding alcohol and drugs, doing regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, keeping consistent daily routines, and learning ways to manage stress. Some find that joining a support group and talking to others about their experience with bipolar disorder can be helpful.
The mission of The Bipolar Battle, Inc. is 'to empower those of us living with bipolar disorder'.
Through their mission of empowerment, The Bipolar Battle, Inc. offers an online community for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and their loved ones. This platform provides tools, strategies, information, and ways to help manage bipolar disorder.
The Founder, John Poehler, created this blog because of his own battle with Bipolar Disorder and uses his experience to educate, make suggestions, provide ideas, and create a dialogue.
Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for You and Your Loved Ones is the updated version of Dr. Francis Mondimore's first edition, written in 1999, that broke new ground for understanding and treating bipolar personality disorder. This book remains a comprehensive and impactful guide to living with bipolar, including managing symptoms and bipolar cycles, extensive new research, and more.
Expert clinician and renowned researcher Mani Pavuluri draws on decades of experience to share specific strategies with parents of bipolar children. Some of the subjects she covers are methods to reduce issues with mania, aggression, sleep disturbances, and depression. She understands that it can sometimes feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle, but is adamant that kids with bipolar can lead stable lives.
The book also covers practical solutions to conflict that can arise at home, in school, or in extracurriculars. Pavuluri knows that as a parent of a child with bipolar disorder, you face special stressors, and she motivates you to cultivate a community of friends, family, and medical professionals to support you through your journey as a lifelong advocate for your child.
Balance Aotearoa is an online support group for those living with bipolar disorder and for whānau/ family and friends supporting people with bipolar disorder.
This 6 minute TED-Ed video gives a great overview of bipolar disorder. It explains the types of bipolar disorder, the symptoms of mania and depression, the causes, and the neural processes involved in the disorder. It also outlines some of the treatment approaches and ways to manage the disorder, as well as how others can support those living with bipolar disorder.
In this Youtube video Becca shares what it is like to live with bipolar disorder. She discusses her symptoms and how they impact her life. She also shares her journey to get a diagnosis, how she then dealt with this diagnosis, and how she manages her condition through medication and therapy. Becca emphasises that if you are struggling with mental illness you are not alone and she encourages others to ask for help.
The Australian Centre for Clinical Intervention (CCI) has a collection of information sheets, worksheets, and self help resources. These aim to help you learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for bipolar disorder, and ways to manage the condition.