Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Myths, Facts, and Treatment Options

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Bipolar disorder is a severe mental condition that has impacted millions of people across the globe, yet it has been shrouded by misconceptions. Knowing the facts can decrease the stigma, promote early help-seeking, and contribute to improved management. This blog identifies the most important information about bipolar disorder, such as the types of bipolar disorder, myths and facts about it, symptoms, and how the disorder can be effectively treated. At Athena Behavioral Health, our bipolar disorder treatment centers provide personalised, evidence-based care to support long-term mood stability and recovery.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) is a highly moody disorder that includes high emotional states (mania or hypomania) and low (depression). These changes are more than the usual mood variations; they may interfere with everyday life, interpersonal relationships, work, and general well-being. It is a chronic but very treatable condition.

It does not have a similar impact on people, but episodes may take days, weeks, etc. Manic episodes are characterized by intense energy and dangerous actions, whereas depressed episodes are characterized by depressed mood and lack of motivation. Symptoms of both are mixed in many people.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is not an all-purpose. The key ones, according to the diagnostic criteria, such as those provided by the DSM-5, are:

Bipolar I Disorder -Mimics one manic episode (at least 7 days long or hospitalization), which is usually accompanied by depressive episodes. In extreme situations, mania may be accompanied by psychosis.

Bipolar II Disorder — The disorder has at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode (a less intense form of mania, which lasts at least 4 days, without severe impairment or psychosis). No full manic episodes occur.

Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia) — A less severe, long-term pattern with many episodes of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms during at least 2 years (1 year in children/teens), but does not qualify as a major episode.

Other specified or unspecified types of bipolar disorders are used in cases where the symptoms are not part of the major categories, but they remain a serious problem.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The symptoms change depending on the type of episode:

Manic Episode (Bipolar I): The mood is extremely elevated, with euphoria or irritability, rapid speech, racing thoughts, reduced sleepiness, high energy/activity, impulsivity (e.g., reckless spending, risky behavior, etc.), and grandiosity.

Hypomanic Episode (Bipolar II/Cyclothymia): Like the previous one, only less severe: no significant impairment, usually productive or pleasurable at first.

Depressive Episode: Low mood, despair, exhaustion, lack of enjoyment in activities, appetite/sleep changes, worthlessness, lack of concentration, suicidal ideation.

Elastic characteristics may involve a mixture of mania/hypomania and depressive characteristics.

Read Also: Role of Mental Health Care in Suicidal Prevention

Myths and Facts on Bipolar Disorder.

There are numerous myths that are maintained, and in many cases, they are perpetuated through the media or stigma. The following are some of the common ones to be refuted:

Myth 1: Bipolar disorder consists of highs and lows and/or being moody

Fact: The normal fluctuations in mood occur to all. Bipolar disorder is characterized by acute and long-term episodes that significantly affect functioning and, in most cases, there is energy, sleep, and behavior change.

Myth 2: Bipolar disorder is not common

Fact: It is not as rare as commonly believed- about 2.8 percent of adults get it in any given year and this is a million people the world over.

Myth 3: Bipolar disorder has a single type

Fact: According to what has been described above, there are several types (Bipolar I, II, cyclothymia and so on), each of which has a different pattern.

Myth 4: Bipolar disorder sufferers are violent or dangerous

Fact: Most are not violent. Episodes may include irritability or impulsivity, though violence is not necessarily involved; such concerns as substance use or trauma are more significant. Bipolar patients find themselves more victimized than victimizers.

Myth 5: Being maniac is always fun or enjoyable

Fact: Although some treat it as a euphoric experience at first, mania is frequently accompanied by irritability, paranoia, delusions or risky behavior that causes regrets, hospitalization or injuries.

Myth 6: Bipolar disorder cannot be treated and managed effectively

Fact: It's highly treatable. Through medication, therapy and lifestyle support, a number of them live good lives with fewer episodes and less severity.

Read Also: Case Studies on Bipolar Disorder

Treatments of Bipolar Disorder 

Bipolar disorder treatment is lifelong and individualized, and may use a combination of approaches to achieve the desired outcome. The target is mood stabilization, episode prevention, and better life quality.

• Medications- First-line treatments  are:
• Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate, lamotrigine) to prevent mania and depression.
• Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., quetiapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole) as maintenance or acute episodes.
• Antidepressants (only after mood stabilizers to prevent the development of mania).
• Psychotherapy Talk therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), or family-focused therapy, can be used to handle triggers, develop coping skills, and enhance relationships.
• Lifestyle and Support - Exercise, sleep, stress, alcohol/drug avoidance, and mood monitoring are vital. Education and support groups give strength to individuals and families.
• Other Interventions — In severe cases, hospitalization or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be required. New solutions are also in development, yet the fundamental treatments are evidence-based.

Diagnosis and early management are immediate positive responses to the intervention, and most individuals reach stability and prosperity.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a difficult disorder that can be treated. The myths can be overcome and facts embraced by accepting them and establishing empathy, and encouraging the affected to seek help without shame. Consult a Bipolar disorder treatment center in case you or someone close to you has signs; early intervention can go a long way. Contact Athena Behavioral Health today at +91 9289730444 for a confidential consultation.