Bipolar Disorder Signs & Symptoms

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Learn About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorders are a category of mental illnesses that can lead to exceptional turmoil within the lives of affected individuals. Of these disorders, the most frequently recognized are bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Each of these disorders, based on the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), are explained below:

Bipolar I disorder is known as the most severe form of bipolar disorder, as changes in mood will lead to serious impairment of an individual’s ability to function regularly. To receive a diagnosis of bipolar I, an individual must have gone through at least one manic episode, which was either followed or preceded by a serious depressive or hypomanic episode. The differences between these episodes are explained later on in this page. Fluctuations in mood amongst those who struggle with bipolar I can be dramatic, changing quickly from euphoria to anger to depression.

Bipolar II disorder is categorized as a mood disorder that involves at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode. Individuals who have bipolar II will go through some challenges in their daily functioning, however they do not experience the same level of challenge as those who are afflicted with bipolar I.

Cyclothymic disorder is diagnosable in those who experience symptoms of both hypomania and depression that are not significant enough to meet the criteria needed for hypomanic episodes or major depressive episodes. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the most common feature of cyclothymic disorder (otherwise known as cyclothymia) is continual mood changes that encompass the symptoms of hypomania and depression.

The presence of any form of bipolar disorder can cause a serious upheaval in the lives of those who are affected. The challenges that these individuals can face are often increased when they are also struggling with a substance abuse problem. While a co-occurring substance use disorder can exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder, it can also bring about new symptoms as well. An individual’s physical health can be put at risk, too, however there are treatment options available that have been designed specifically to help those who are grappling with this form of dual diagnosis to learn new skills that will help them control their bipolar disorder symptoms all while defeating their addictions. By engaging oneself in such care, a happy, healthy, and productive life can be achieved.

Statistics

Bipolar Disorder Statistics

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports that roughly 0.6% of the population battles with bipolar I disorder. Bipolar II disorder is believed to impact 0.8% of the population, and the lifetime prevalence of cyclothymic disorder falls between 0.4% and 1%.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder

Below are the causes and risk factors for bipolar disorder:

Genetic: Someone’s genetic background can be one of the most consistent causes for the development of bipolar disorders. If an individual has relatives who suffer from bipolar disorders, he or she is placed at higher risk for developing symptoms, too. Regarding cyclothymic disorder, family history of major depressive disorder can also play into one’s vulnerability of being afflicted with bipolar disorders. In addition, the APA states that genetic factors can also impact the age at which an individual starts noticing symptoms.

Environmental: An individual’s environment can bring about the onset of bipolar I disorder when a genetic link is present. The APA says that bipolar I disorder is much more common in high-income countries than low-income countries. In addition, the APA states that those who are widowed, divorced, or separated have a much more likely chance of developing bipolar I disorder than those who are married or were never married. The link between the two types of bipolar disorder is still undefined.

Risk Factors:

  • Abusing alcohol and/or drugs can bring on the onset of symptoms when an individual possesses a genetic predisposition for the disorder
  • Having a family history of bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, or major depressive disorder
  • Being widowed, divorced, or separated
  • Living in a developed country

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The signs and symptoms that are shown by those who are suffering from bipolar disorders will vary based on whether they have bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymic disorder, as well as whether they are going through an episode of mania, depression, or hypomania. Manic episodes will only happen to those who have bipolar I disorder, so when symptoms are present, this diagnosis would be most appropriate. Examples of signs and symptoms that could be noticeable during these types of episodes can include:

Manic episode: The DSM-5 states that manic episodes happen when individuals go through a period of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that can be seen as abnormal. This mood can last at least one week, with symptoms displaying themselves for the majority of the day almost every day. Manic episodes can lead to a disturbance in mood that is so significant that it leads to impairment in a person’s functionality. Signs of a manic episode include:

  • Spending an increased amount of time in goal-directed activity
  • Participating in activities that have the potential to bring about detrimental consequences, including major shopping sprees or risky sexual behaviors
  • Euphoric or excessively cheerful mood
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Psychomotor agitation
  • Inflated self-esteem or sense of grandiosity
  • Experiencing a flight of ideas
  • Racing thoughts
  • High level of distractibility
  • Excessively talking

Hypomanic episode: These episodes are similar to manic episodes, however they are not as intense and are much shorter. The symptoms must be present for at least four days in a row and occur for the majority of the day to me hypomanic. While symptoms of this type of episode are obvious to others, unlike manic episodes, they do not cause an individual to lose his or her ability to function. Signs of hypomanic episodes can include:

  • Participating in high-risk behaviors
  • Heightened self-esteem or false sense of grandiosity
  • Experiencing a flight of ideas and/or racing thoughts
  • Becoming easily distracted
  • Talking excessively
  • Lacking a need for sleep

Major depressive episode: When individuals battle with major depressive episode, they will go through at least five symptoms throughout a two-week period and will show a change in their normal functioning. The symptoms of a major depressive episode can lead to functional impairment and upset that is clinically significant and affects the individual’s life. According to the APA, signs of major depressive episodes can include:

  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Suffering from a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
  • Experiencing recurrent thoughts of death
  • Struggling to make decisions
  • Experiencing excessive and/or inappropriate guilt
  • No longer demonstrating an interest in things previously enjoyed
  • Diminished ability to concentrate
  • Fatigue or extreme loss of energy
  • No longer engaging in activities that were once enjoyed
  • Struggling with insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation
  • Noticeable change in appetite and subsequent weight loss or weight gain

Effects

Effects of Bipolar Disorder

When individuals battle with bipolar disorders and do not obtain the proper care, they are vulnerable to experiencing a variety of detrimental effects. Some of these effects can include:

  • Suffering from suicidal thoughts or engaging in suicidal behaviors
  • Engaging in self-harming behaviors
  • Occupational struggles, which can lead to job loss and financial troubles
  • Financial turmoil as a result of spending excessive amounts of money during manic or hypomanic episodes
  • Beginning to abuse drugs and/or alcohol
  • Worsening of symptoms
  • Disturbances within interpersonal relationships
  • Familial strife
  • Marital discord
  • Cognitive impairments

Co-Occurring Disorders

Bipolar Disorder and Co-Occurring Disorders

The American Psychiatric Association states that co-occurring mental disorders are common amongst those who struggle with bipolar disorder. Co-occurring substance use disorders specifically are linked to being especially prominent in those who are afflicted with mental illness. Below are some examples of the numerous co-occurring conditions that are separated by the three forms of bipolar disorders:

Bipolar I disorder: Anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder, specific phobia, and panic disorders occur within approximately three-fourths of those who struggle with bipolar I disorders. Other mental health issues that co-occur with bipolar I include:

  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Conduct disorder
  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
  • Intermittent explosive disorder (IED)
  • Other substance use disorders

Bipolar II disorder: Research has proven that those with bipolar II disorder are more likely to struggle from one or more co-occurring mental health conditions. According to the APA, 60% of those who have bipolar II disorder suffer from three or more co-occurring disorders. Some of these disorders include:

  • Substance use disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders

Cyclothymic disorder: Those with cyclothymic disorder often grapple with the following co-occurring disorders:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD)
  • Sleep disorders
  • Substance use disorders