What is a bipolar high like?

helpguide.org - Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms - HelpGuide.org

What happens when drink water before bed?

Lowers blood pressure and heart rate Water helps the heart pump blood more efficiently, as it may prevent strain on the heart, blood pressure, and...

Last updated May 3, 2018

Can walking tone your stomach?

Walking might not be the most strenuous form of exercise, but it is an effective way to get in shape and burn fat. While you can't spot-reduce fat,...

Last updated May 3, 2022

Promotion

bipolar disorder

Bipolar Disorder Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Types

Is it bipolar disorder? Here’s how to recognize the signs and symptoms, tell the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II, and get help for mania, hypomania, bipolar depression, and cyclothymia.

What is bipolar disorder?

We all have our ups and downs, but with bipolar disorder (once known as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder) these peaks and valleys are more severe. Bipolar disorder causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior—from the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other. More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they can interfere with your job or school performance, damage your relationships, and disrupt your ability to function in daily life. During a manic episode, you might impulsively quit your job, charge up huge amounts on credit cards, or feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive episode, you might be too tired to get out of bed, and full of self-loathing and hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt. The causes of bipolar disorder aren’t completely understood, but it often appears to be hereditary. The first manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder usually occurs in the teenage years or early adulthood. The symptoms can be subtle and confusing; many people with bipolar disorder are overlooked or misdiagnosed—resulting in unnecessary suffering. Since bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment, it’s important to learn what the symptoms look like. Recognizing the problem is the first step to feeling better and getting your life back on track. Myths and facts about bipolar disorder Myth: People with bipolar disorder can't get better or lead a normal life. Fact: Many people with bipolar disorder have successful careers, happy family lives, and satisfying relationships. Living with bipolar disorder is challenging, but with treatment, healthy coping skills, and a solid support system, you can live fully while managing your symptoms. Myth: People with bipolar disorder swing back and forth between mania and depression. Fact: Some people alternate between extreme episodes of mania and depression, but most are depressed more often than they are manic. Mania may also be so mild that it goes unrecognized. People with bipolar disorder can also go for long stretches without symptoms. Myth: Bipolar disorder only affects mood. Fact: Bipolar disorder also affects your energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, sex drive, and self-esteem. Additionally, bipolar disorder has been linked to anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure. Myth: Aside from taking medication, there is nothing you can do to control bipolar disorder. Fact: While medication is the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment, therapy and self-help strategies also play important roles. You can help control your symptoms by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating right, monitoring your moods, keeping stress to a minimum, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime. There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms.

Mania symptoms

In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, it's common to experience feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria. If you're experiencing a manic episode, you may talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and be hyperactive. You may also feel like you're all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness. But while mania feels good at first, it has a tendency to spiral out of control. You may behave recklessly during a manic episode: gambling away your savings, engaging in inappropriate sexual activity, or making foolish business investments, for example. You may also become angry, irritable, and aggressive—picking fights, lashing out when others don't go along with your plans, and blaming anyone who criticizes your behavior. Some people even become delusional or start hearing voices.

Common signs and symptoms of mania include:

Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic OR extremely irritable.

extremely irritable. Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one's abilities or powers.

Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic.

Talking so rapidly that others can't keep up.

Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next.

Highly distractible, unable to concentrate.

Impaired judgment and impulsiveness.

Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences.

Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases).

What female hormones help with weight loss?

Hormones that affect female weight loss include: Oestrogen and progesterone. May 5, 2022

Last updated Sep 30, 2020

How long after taking phentermine will I see results?

Phentermine starts to work very quickly after taking an initial dose. Phentermine medication gets absorbed through your gastrointestinal tract. It...

Last updated Jan 12, 2019

Promotion

Hypomania symptoms

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. In a hypomanic state, you'll likely feel euphoric, energetic, and productive, but will still be able to carry on with your day-to-day life without losing touch with reality. To others, it may seem as if you're merely in an unusually good mood. However, hypomania can result in bad decisions that harm your relationships, career, and reputation. In addition, hypomania often escalates to full-blown mania or is followed by a major depressive episode.

Bipolar depression symptoms

In the past, bipolar depression was lumped in with regular depression, but a growing body of research suggests that there are significant differences between the two, especially when it comes to recommended treatments. Most people with bipolar depression are not helped by antidepressants. In fact, there is a risk that antidepressants can make bipolar disorder worse—triggering mania or hypomania, causing rapid cycling between mood states, or interfering with other mood stabilizing drugs. Despite many similarities, certain symptoms are more common in bipolar depression than in regular depression. For example, bipolar depression is more likely to involve irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings, and feelings of restlessness. With bipolar depression, you may move and speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight. In addition, you're more likely to develop psychotic depression—a condition in which you lose contact with reality—and to experience major problems in work and social functioning.

Common symptoms of bipolar depression include:

Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty

Irritability

Inability to experience pleasure

Fatigue or loss of energy

Physical and mental sluggishness

Appetite or weight changes

Sleep problems

Concentration and memory problems

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms of a mixed episode

A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode include depression combined with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility, and racing thoughts. This combination of high energy and low mood makes for a particularly high risk of suicide.

Types of bipolar disorder

Since symptoms can vary so much from person to person, bipolar disorder is often broken down into different types. The categories include: Bipolar I Disorder (mania or a mixed episode). This is the classic manic-depressive form of the illness, characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Usually—but not always—Bipolar I Disorder also involves at least one episode of depression. Bipolar II Disorder (hypomania and depression). In Bipolar II disorder, you don't experience full-blown manic episodes. Instead, the illness involves episodes of hypomania and severe depression. Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression). Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder that consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the symptoms are less severe than full-blown mania or depression. Unspecified or other types. If you experience symptoms that do not fit into another category, or they stem from another medical condition, such as substance abuse, your doctor may diagnose unspecified bipolar disorder.

What is rapid cycling?

Some people with bipolar disorder develop “rapid cycling” where they experience four or more episodes of mania or depression within a 12-month period. Mood swings can occur very quickly, like a rollercoaster randomly moving from high to low and back again over a period of days or even hours. Rapid cycling can leave you feeling dangerously out of control and most commonly occurs if your bipolar disorder symptoms are not being adequately treated.

Treatment

If you spot the symptoms of bipolar disorder in yourself or someone else, don't wait to get help. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away; in fact, it will almost certainly get worse. Living with untreated bipolar disorder can lead to problems in everything from your career to your relationships to your health. But bipolar disorder is highly treatable, so diagnosing the problem and starting treatment as early as possible can help prevent these complications. If you're reluctant to seek treatment because you like the way you feel when you're manic, remember that the energy and euphoria come with a price. Mania and hypomania often turn destructive, hurting you and the people around you.

Treatment basics

Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Since bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness, it's important to continue treatment even when you're feeling better. Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to prevent new episodes and stay symptom-free. There is more to treatment than medication. Medication alone is usually not enough to fully control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. The most effective treatment strategy for bipolar disorder involves a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support. Speak to a Therapist Now With over 25,000 licensed counselors, BetterHelp has a therapist that fits your needs. Sign up today and get matched. GET 20% OFF

Self-help

Can taking apple cider vinegar gummies help you lose weight?

Some people believe that apple cider vinegar gummies can help you lose weight by reducing your appetite and increasing your metabolism. However,...

Last updated Sep 29, 2022

How many days a week should I be in ketosis?

Some people choose to have five or six days on keto followed by a day or two off. Others will do keto for 10 to 12 days followed by three to four...

Last updated Sep 20, 2020

Promotion

While dealing with bipolar disorder isn't always easy, it doesn't have to run your life. But in order to successfully manage bipolar disorder, you have to make smart choices. Your lifestyle and daily habits can have a significant impact on your moods and may even lessen your need for medication..

The keys to bipolar disorder self-help

Get educated. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know, the better you'll be at assisting your own recovery. Get moving. Exercise has a beneficial impact on mood and may reduce the number of bipolar episodes you experience. Aerobic exercise that activates arm and leg movement such as running, walking, swimming, dancing, climbing or drumming may be especially beneficial to your brain and nervous system. Keep stress in check. Avoid high-stress situations, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Seek support. It's important to have people you can turn to for help and encouragement. Try joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it won't mean you're a burden to others. In fact, most friends will be flattered that you trust them enough to confide in them, and it will only strengthen your relationship. Stay closely connected to friends and family. Nothing is as calming to the nervous system as face-to-face contact with caring supportive people who can just listen to you talk about what you're experiencing. Make healthy choices. Healthy sleeping and eating habits can help stabilize your moods. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is particularly important. Monitor your moods. Keep track of your symptoms and watch for signs that your moods are swinging out of control so you can stop the problem before it starts.

Bipolar disorder and suicide

The depressive phase of bipolar disorder is often very severe, and suicide is a major risk factor. In fact, people suffering from bipolar disorder are more likely to attempt suicide than those suffering from regular depression. Furthermore, their suicide attempts tend to be more lethal. The risk of suicide is even higher in people with bipolar disorder who have frequent depressive episodes, mixed episodes, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, a family history of suicide, or an early onset of the disease.

Suicide warning signs include:

Talking about death, self-harm, or suicide.

Feeling hopeless or helpless.

Feeling worthless or like a burden to others.

Acting recklessly, as if one has a “death wish”.

Putting affairs in order or saying goodbye.

Seeking out weapons or pills that could be used to commit suicide.

Take any thoughts or talk of suicide seriously If you or someone you care about is suicidal, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. at 988 or visit IASP or Suicide.org to find a helpline in your country. You can also read Suicide Prevention.

Causes and triggers

Bipolar disorder has no single cause. It appears that certain people are genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder, yet not everyone with an inherited vulnerability develops the illness, indicating that genes are not the only cause. Some brain imaging studies show physical changes in the brains of people with bipolar disorder. Other research points to neurotransmitter imbalances, abnormal thyroid function, circadian rhythm disturbances, and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. External environmental and psychological factors are also believed to be involved in the development of bipolar disorder. These external factors are called triggers. Triggers can set off new episodes of mania or depression or make existing symptoms worse. However, many bipolar disorder episodes occur without an obvious trigger. Stress. Stressful life events can trigger bipolar disorder in someone with a genetic vulnerability. These events tend to involve drastic or sudden changes—either good or bad—such as getting married, going away to college, losing a loved one, getting fired, or moving. Substance Abuse. While substance abuse doesn't cause bipolar disorder, it can bring on an episode or worsen the course of the disease. Drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines can trigger mania, while alcohol and tranquilizers can trigger depression. Medication. Certain medications, most notably antidepressant drugs, can trigger mania. Other drugs that can cause mania include over-the-counter cold medicine, appetite suppressants, caffeine, corticosteroids, and thyroid medication. Seasonal Changes. Episodes of mania and depression often follow a seasonal pattern. Manic episodes are more common during the summer, and depressive episodes more common during the fall, winter, and spring. Sleep Deprivation. Loss of sleep—even as little as skipping a few hours of rest—can trigger an episode of mania.

Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Lawrence Robinson.

helpguide.org - Bipolar Disorder Signs and Symptoms - HelpGuide.org

Is 2 tablespoons of olive oil a day too much?

As a general rule of thumb, between one and two tablespoons a day is a good amount of olive oil to consume. This goes for both olive oil that you...

Last updated Jul 24, 2020

How long does phentermine take to peak?

How Long Does Phentermine Take to Work? Phentermine is absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract after being ingested orally. After ingestion,...

Last updated Feb 10, 2022

Promotion

How do fat dissolving injections work on stomach?

Aqualyx treatment is a fat dissolving injection that works by liquidating fat cells and destroying them permanently. The broken-down cells are then...

Last updated Aug 8, 2019

Promotion

Is Potato good for you?

Potatoes for health and nutrition They're rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times...

Last updated Jan 21, 2021