The Ultimate Guide To BIPOLAR Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that affects approximately 2.6 million people in the United States. It’s characterized by episodes of mania and depression, and can be incredibly difficult to cope with. If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about bipolar disorder, from the basics to more in-depth details. We’ll also provide tips on how to cope with bipolar disorder and support your loved one through their struggles. So read on for everything you need to know about bipolar disorder.

What is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar is a mental disorder that is very common in many people around the world. For someone who has bipolar they can feel as if they are on an emotional rollercoaster. For someone who may have bipolar, they may experience frequent changes in mood. They may feel very happy and then for no apparent reason they will seem very low/ sad/angry.

It can also affect the individuals energy, and their ability to function in a normal capacity. Individuals who have bipolar can experience very intense emotional states that are present for a distinct periods of time. The moods they experience are typically categorized into either mania or depressive. They will also experience a period of mood neutrally, where they are in a neutral mood.

what is going on in The brain

There is a distinct difference in the brain of someone who had bipolar disorder compared to someone who does not have the same disorder. Scientist believe that one main factor to bipolar is a chemical imbalance in the neurotransmitters. They also believe that people with this disorder experience a structural change in the brain resulting a reduced size in some areas in the brain. There are three areas of the brain that are affect although it can affect all areas, these are the most prominent areas that are affected: The prefrontal cortex, grey matter and the hippocampus.

The prefrontal cortex is in the front part of the brain. it is located behind your forehead. it is responsible for cognitive control, impulsivity, and attention. it also is important to mood disorders.

Grey matter is the outer most part of the brain. It is important because it processes information. It also plays a role in movement, memory and emotions.

The hippocampus is located deeper in the brain in the temporal lobe region. it has a role in the limbic system that is associated with emotion. The hippocampus’s main role is in learning and formation of memories.

Scientists believe that bipolar may reduce grey matter, which results in the inability to function normally. There was a study in 2016 that showed a significant lower amount of grey matter in people who have been diagnosed with bipolar compared to those who do not have bipolar.

The area of the brain that showed a reduced amount of grey matter was associated with mood regulation, information processes, and the awareness of bodily states. Although in a more recent study in 2021, scientist did not find any difference in the amount of grey matter in people with the disorder compared to those without the disorder. The scientist did however find that there is an association between higher frequency of manic and hypo-manic episodes and loss of grey matter located mainly in the prefrontal cortex.

Scientists also believe that people who have bipolar may have reduced size of some areas of the hippocampus compared to those who do not have the disorder, although their findings were not always consistent. A study in 2017 revealed that people with bipolar 1 had a reduction in size of the hippocampus, they also had the most manic episodes.

what chemicals of the brain are effected?

The brain has specific chemicals that help deliver messages between the areas of the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. scientists believe that an imbalance of these neurotransmitters may cause bipolar disorder. The chemicals that may be effected are dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. High and low levels of norepinephrine can result in mania and depressive episodes in people with bipolar, low levels of serotonin result in depressive episodes.

What are the types of bipolar?

There are three types of bipolar, Bipolar 1, Bipolar 2 and Cyclothymic. Each one has a different set of symptoms.

Bipolar 1

Bipolar 1 is the bipolar that is associated with manic episodes. These can last for at least one week. The individuals seems to be high-spirited or very irritable during manic episodes. When they are experiencing a manic episode they may feel like they are on top of the world and that nothing is wrong in their lives even when there is.

Manic episode

The symptoms of manic episodes are as follows:

These symptoms must present themselves outside of the individuals natural behaviors. Family and friends can easily recognize the change in behaviors. These symptoms must also disrupt the individuals work, family, or social activities and responsibility. Manic episodes typically result in the individual needing hospital care. The individual may also experience unorganized thoughts, false beliefs, and or hallucinations known as psychotic features.

hypomanic episode

A hypomanic episode is less severe than a manic episode and it typically only needs to last 4 consecutive days as opposed to a week that mania lasts. Hypomania does not disrupt daily functions that mania usually cause.

Major Depressive episode

A major depressive episode can last for two weeks and the individual presents five of the symptoms listed below:

Bipolar 2

An individual may be diagnosed with bipolar 2 if they experience at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. Individuals with bipolar 2 will function normally between episodes. Individuals with bipolar 2 typically experience other mental health illnesses. Individuals with bipolar 2 typically seek help during the first major depressive episode.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar that involves the individual experiencing many mood swings with hypomania and depressive symptoms that frequently occur. individuals with this type experience emotional ups and downs with less severe symptoms than bipolar 1 and 2. The symptoms of cyclothymic disorder are as follows:

Treatment options

The treatments differ between each type of bipolar. I have broken down each of the treatments by the bipolar type.

Treatment for bipolar 1

Bipolar 1 symptoms can greatly improve with treatment. Treatment usually involves medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy helps the individual learn about their condition and helps to prevent future manic and depressive episodes. Adhering to medications can also help to prevent future episodes. The medications typically given are usually mood stabilizers such as lithium. They are believed to work by correcting the imbalanced brain signaling. Ongoing treatment is recommended as it is a chronic illness.

In some cases psychotherapy and medication have not helped the individual and thus another type of treatment called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is then offered. Electroconvulsive therapy is where the individual is put under anesthesia, then the individual is given several rounds of electric currents to their scalp, which will cause a short controlled seizure. This type of treatment is believed to realign the brains signaling pathways. It is also recommended that family members with a loved one who has bipolar 1 see a therapist due to the fact that it can disrupt their relationship.

Bipolar 2 treatment

The treatment options for bipolar 2 are similar to that of bipolar 1. Most individuals are given psychotherapy and mood stabilizers as well as antidepressants. Although, they are dependent on the individuals specific symptoms. ECT can be used if medications and psychotherapy prove to be ineffective. Although, each individuals treatment is specific to their symptoms.

Cyclothymic treatment

Cyclothymic treatment involves medication and talk therapy. Many individuals find talk therapy to help with the stress of their mood swings. many individuals find keeping a journal be useful as it allows them away to track their moods. Treatment for this type of bipolar may given on a as needed basis.

Individuals living with one of these bipolar disorders or have a loved one with one o them may have a hard time living one moment to the next. Bipolar is a serious illness and needs to be treated by a professional if you or a loved one has bipolar or think you may have bipolar please seek professional help. If you would like more information on bipolar please click here.

If you would like additional resources please see my resources page for books and places to get professional help in your area. If you believe this is an emergency please contact you local emergency services.

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