The average age of onset is approximately 25 years, but can occur in adolescence or, less commonly, in childhood. The condition affects men and women alike, with approximately 2.8% of the U.S. UU. Population diagnosed with bipolar disorder and almost 83% of cases classified as severe.
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Find NIMH staff names, phone numbers, email addresses, and office locations. Find directions, maps, parking information and other information for NIMH visitors. Contribute to mental health research Bipolar disorder, sometimes known as manic-depressive disorder, is characterized by drastic changes in mood, energy, and activity levels that affect a person's ability to perform daily tasks. These changes in mood and energy levels are more severe than the normal ups and downs that everyone experiences.
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What does it feel like to have bipolar disorder? It's a confusing mental health condition not only for the person affected but also for their loved ones. How can someone go from being so energetic and optimistic about life one day to feeling depressed and demotivated the next? Bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive illness with “highs” that can last for days, followed by major depression that can last for weeks. If you're wondering if these mood swings are “normal” or an indication of a mental disorder, consider whether these manic-depressive states interfere with or disrupt your life or that of the people around you. If you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you're not alone.
These bipolar disorder statistics reveal the prevalence of mental health disorder, how it affects overall health, and the success rate of treatment. Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes radical changes in mood, energy, and ability to perform daily tasks. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of intense emotions and changes in behavior, called “mood episodes,” that can last from days to weeks. Depressive episodes have symptoms of a depressive disorder, which causes the person to feel a strong sense of sadness with little energy and motivation.
Manic episodes are the opposite: one can feel energetic, optimistic, and even euphoric, which can lead to irrational and impulsive decision-making. The type and intensity of symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. Unfortunately, bipolar disorder isn't treated in half of people diagnosed in any given year. Although there is no cure, Ezell says the optimal treatment plan for bipolar disorder is a combination of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Pharmacy names, logos, brands and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Bipolar disorder affects men and women alike, but women are three times more likely to experience rapid cycles of mood episodes. They are also more likely to experience depressive and mixed episodes of the disorder compared to men. 8.Do you think you may have COVID-19? Find out where you can get tested Do you need a vaccine or a booster? Now scheduling for ages 6 months and up Are you coming to a Cleveland Clinic location? Visitation and Mask Requirements Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive illness or manic-depressive illness) is a mood disorder and lifelong mental health condition that causes intense changes in mood, energy levels, thinking patterns, and.
These shifts can last for hours, days, weeks, or months and disrupt your ability to perform daily tasks. A key feature of bipolar I disorder is manic episodes. To meet the criteria for bipolar I disorder, you must have had at least one manic episode in your lifetime for at least one week with or without having experienced a depressive episode. Mania is a condition in which you have a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, as well as extreme changes in emotions, thoughts, energy, ability to speak, and activity level.
This highly energized level of physical and mental activity and behavior is a change from your usual self and others notice it. People who are in manic states may engage in activities that cause them physical, social, or financial harm, such as suddenly spending or gambling excessive amounts of money or driving recklessly. Occasionally, they also develop psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, which can cause difficulty distinguishing bipolar disorder from other disorders such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. People with certain types of bipolar disorder, such as bipolar II disorder, experience hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania.
It doesn't last as long as manic episodes and doesn't interfere as much with daily functioning. Although borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder have similar symptoms and are often confused with each other, they are different conditions. BPD involves a lasting pattern of sudden, momentary changes in moods, behavior, and self-image that are often triggered by conflict in interactions with other people. Nonsuicidal self-harm is also common in BPD, but not in bipolar disorder.
The average age of onset is 25, but, less often, it can begin as early as early childhood or as late as 40 or 50 years. While bipolar disorder affects people assigned as female at birth (AFAB) and those assigned as male at birth (AMAB) in equal numbers, the condition tends to affect them differently. People with AFAB with bipolar disorder may change their mood more quickly. When people with bipolar disorder experience four or more manic or depressive episodes in a year, this is called a “rapid cycle.”.
Varying levels of sex and thyroid hormones, along with the tendency for AFAB people to be prescribed antidepressants, may contribute to a faster cycle in this population. People with AFAB with bipolar disorder may also experience more periods of depression than people with AMAB. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million adult Americans or about 2.6% of the U.S. The defining sign of bipolar I disorder is a manic episode that lasts at least a week, while people with bipolar II disorder or cyclothymia experience hypomanic episodes.
Mood swings in bipolar disorder can occur over a period of weeks, months, and sometimes even years. An important aspect of mood swings is that they move away from your usual self and that the mood change lasts a long time. It can be many days or weeks in the case of mania and many weeks or months in the case of depression. The severity of the depressive and manic phases may differ from person to person and in the same person at different times.
Some people with bipolar disorder will have episodes of mania or hypomania many times throughout their lives; others may experience them only rarely. Most of the time, people who experience a manic episode are unaware of the negative consequences of their actions. With bipolar disorder, suicide is an ever-present danger, some people become suicidal in manic episodes, not just depressive episodes. If a person is having a severe manic episode, especially if they are experiencing hallucinations and delusions, they may need to be hospitalized to protect themselves and others from harm.
Some people with bipolar disorder have milder manic-like symptoms. With hypomania, you may feel great and find that you can do a lot. People with hypomania can often perform well in social situations or at work. You may not feel that something is wrong during a hypomanic episode.
However, your family and friends may notice your mood swings and activity levels, and think they're unusual for you. After Hypomania, You May Have Severe Depression. The symptoms of a mixed episode include manic and depressive symptoms together. During a mixed episode, you have the negative feelings and thoughts that come with depression, but you also feel agitated, restless, and energetic.
People who experience mixed episodes often describe it as the worst part of bipolar disorder. Scientists Still Don't Know the Exact Cause of Bipolar Disorder. But they do believe that there is a strong genetic component (inherited). Bipolar disorder is considered one of the most inherited psychiatric conditions; more than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close biological relative with the condition.
However, just because you have a biological relative with bipolar disorder doesn't necessarily mean you're going to develop one as well. Scientists are currently conducting research to determine the relationship these factors have in bipolar disorder, how they can help prevent its occurrence, and what role they can play in its treatment. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania. Mental health providers use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose the type of bipolar disorder a person may be experiencing.
To determine what type of bipolar disorder you may have, the mental health provider evaluates the pattern of symptoms and how much they affect your life during the most severe episodes. Because of this, as well as the fact that memory is often affected during mania, so people cannot recall experiencing it, it can be difficult for healthcare providers to properly diagnose people with bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder who are experiencing a severe manic episode with hallucinations may be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder can also be misdiagnosed as borderline personality disorder (BPD).
For this reason, it's important to be honest and thorough in explaining all your symptoms and experiences when talking to your healthcare provider. It may also be helpful to include a loved one who can provide you with additional details about your mental health history in your discussions with your provider. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, so treatment is a lifelong commitment. Sometimes, it can take several months or years before you and your healthcare provider find a comprehensive treatment plan that works best for you.
While this can be discouraging, it's important to continue treatment. Episodes of mania and depression usually return over time. Between episodes, many people with bipolar disorder don't have mood swings, but some people may have persistent symptoms. Ongoing, long-term treatment can help control these symptoms.
If you have other mental health conditions besides bipolar disorder, such as anxiety or ADHD, they may be more difficult to treat. For example, antidepressants that healthcare providers prescribe to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and stimulants they prescribe to treat ADHD can worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder and even trigger a manic episode. Again, while it may be difficult to treat these conditions, it's not impossible. Be sure to commit to finding a treatment plan that works for you.
Psychotherapy, also called “psychotherapy,” can be an effective part of the treatment plan for people with bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help you identify and change problem emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Working with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can provide support, education, and guidance for you and your family. Certain Medications Can Help Control Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder.
You may need to try several different medications, with the guidance of your healthcare provider, before finding what works best. People with bipolar disorder generally need mood-stabilizing medications to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Lithium is one of the most commonly prescribed and studied medications to treat bipolar disorder. Lithium is a natural salt and will reduce symptoms of mania within two weeks of starting treatment, but it may take weeks or months before manic symptoms are fully controlled.
Because of this, healthcare providers often prescribe other medications, such as antipsychotics or antidepressants, to help control symptoms. Sometimes, thyroid gland and kidney problems can develop when taking lithium, so your healthcare provider will monitor the functioning of your thyroid and kidneys, as well as monitor blood lithium levels, as levels can rise too easily. Anything that lowers the level of sodium in the body, such as switching to a low-sodium diet, sweating a lot, having a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, can cause a toxic buildup of lithium in the body. Be aware of these conditions and tell your doctor if you are taking lithium and experience them.
Health care providers often prescribe atypical or second-generation neuroleptics (antipsychotics) in combination with a mood stabilizer for people with bipolar disorder. These medicines help with manic and depressive episodes. Health care providers sometimes prescribe antidepressant medications to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, combining the antidepressant with a mood stabilizer to prevent a manic episode from triggering. Antidepressants are never used as the only medication to treat bipolar disorder because just taking an antidepressant medication can trigger a manic episode.
Side effects of medications for bipolar disorder are common and vary depending on the medication. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect when taking certain medications. It's also important to let them know if you're experiencing side effects. Never stop taking your medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
Stopping the medication abruptly can cause serious side effects and trigger serious episodes. Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent bipolar disorder because scientists don't know its exact cause. However, it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder and seek early intervention. The prognosis for bipolar disorder is often poor, unless properly treated.
Many people with bipolar disorder who receive the right treatment can lead full and productive lives. Bipolar disorder results in a reduction of about nine years in life expectancy, and up to 1 in 5 people with bipolar disorder commit suicide. An estimated 60% of all people with bipolar disorder have drug or alcohol dependence. That's why it's essential to seek medical attention and stay committed to treatment for bipolar disorder.
Regular and continuous use of medications can help reduce episodes of mania and depression. By knowing how to recognize the symptoms and triggers of these episodes, there is a greater chance of effective treatment and finding coping methods that can prevent prolonged periods of illness, prolonged hospital stays, and suicide. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. However, ongoing and long-term treatment, such as medications and psychotherapy, can help control symptoms and allow you to lead a healthy and purposeful life.
It's important to see your healthcare team regularly to monitor your treatment plan and symptoms. Know that your healthcare providers and loved ones are there to support you. Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme changes in mood, energy and behavior. This disorder most commonly occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, although symptoms can begin at any time in life. Although large-scale association studies of bipolar disorder are beginning to yield results, one of the biggest obstacles to finding genes for such complex behavior is the imprecision inherent in diagnosing the disorder itself; objective criteria are lacking.
Treatment of patients with bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness (MDI), involves initial and ongoing patient education. In addition, patients who had bipolar disorder and deletions most often had mania onset before 18 years of age. Many people with bipolar disorder have family members with other mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders (such as depression or schizophrenia). If you have a relative in your nuclear family with bipolar disorder, such as a parent or sibling, then you could be at higher risk for mood disorder.
In this case, structural neuroimaging studies also show abnormal myelination in several brain regions associated with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, which in ICD-10 is classified as bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness (MDI), is a common, serious and persistent mental illness. The three main types of bipolar disorders are bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Implications of the neuroprotective effects of lithium for the treatment of bipolar and neurodegenerative disorders.
A postmortem study conducted by Konradi et al on the hippocampus in both patients with bipolar disorder and in healthy people found that the 2 groups did not differ in the total number of neurons in the hippocampus. A previous National Institutes of Health (NIH) report on GWAS also highlighted that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia could share common susceptibility genes on chromosome 6. A longitudinal study found that manic or hypomanic episodes below the threshold were a diagnostic risk factor for the development of subsequent manic, mixed or hypomanic episodes in children of parents with bipolar disorder. Although the first bipolar disorder GWAS used a much smaller sample size than in later attempts, including an initial sample of 461 patients with bipolar disorder from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) consortium and a follow-up sample of 563 patients collected in Germany, they still yielded interesting observations to be tracked on the larger samples mentioned above.
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