Bipolar disorder first appears around age 25 and is a lifelong condition, making it all the more important to seek early treatment to prevent future mood swings. At the Mental Health Clinic of Idaho, the caring team works closely with you to create an individualized treatment plan that gives you and your family the support you need to build a fulfilling life.
Bipolar Disorder Q & A
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder causes episodes of mania and depression. There are three types of bipolar disorder, and the severity of your symptoms depends on which type you have:
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I disorder is defined by mood swings between high-energy mania and low-energy depression. Manic episodes cause severe symptoms that last at least one week and often send you to the hospital for intensive intervention.
Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar II disorder causes episodes of major depression and hypomania, a milder form of mania that may seem more like a positive burst of energy.
Cyclothymic disorder
This type causes mild hypomania and depression. However, your mild symptoms can still disrupt your life because the cyclothymic disorder is defined by frequent symptoms that last at least half the time and go on for two years or longer.
What symptoms does bipolar disorder cause?
Depressive episodes cause classic symptoms, including:
- Feeling worthless and hopeless
- Losing interest in your favorite activities
- Gaining or losing weight
- Having a hard time sleeping
- Sleeping more than usual
- Feeling restless and irritable
- Having little to no energy
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Thinking about suicide
Manic and hypomanic episodes cause symptoms such as:
- Talking excessively or rapidly
- Needing little to no sleep
- Having constant energy
- Experiencing racing thoughts
- Acting full of yourself or arrogant
- Having delusions and hallucinations (during full-blown mania)
People also frequently engage in risky behaviors like overspending and driving while drinking during manic episodes.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Mood-stabilizing medications are the foundation of treatment for bipolar I and II. These medications often stop future mood swings if you stick with your medication regimen.
Your Mental Health Clinic of Idaho provider also recommends therapy, which improves your mental well-being in many ways. Therapy can help you identify signs of a pending mood swing and learn ways to prevent it.
Therapy also teaches the skills you need to manage the life challenges associated with bipolar disorder. For example, you may need help building or restoring relationships or managing strong emotions.
Many people with bipolar disorder struggle with insomnia, and the lack of sleep can trigger a mood swing. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the treatment most often recommended for insomnia.