What is exactly is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar is one of those words that gets thrown around in the common vernacular. But what exactly is Bipolar Disorder? When thinking about bipolar disorders, it’s easy to think about as an individual experiencing emotional highs and lows. But it’s a bit more complex than that. These highs are classified as manic or hypomanic episodes, and lows are classified as depressive episodes.
The main differences between manic and hypomanic episodes are that manic episodes must last at least one week, whereas hypomanic episodes must last at least 4 consecutive days. Additionally, manic episodes cause marked impairment in functioning due to the level of mood disturbance, whereas hypomanic episodes cause “unequivocal change in functioning” and are not severe enough to cause marked impairment in functioning. Psychotic features can also be present in manic episodes. Lastly, hospitalization can be necessary in some instances regarding manic episodes in order to prevent harm.
Let’s take a look at the visual below:
Please take note that what this graph doesn’t show, though, are the periods where an individual may feel in the middle. This graph offers a good visual aid to display the levels of intensity of symptoms, but does not necessarily take into consideration how an individual may cycle between episodes. The graph displays three different types of bipolar and related disorders. Bipolar I Disorder includes symptoms of manic and major depressive episodes, whereas someone with Bipolar II Disorder would experience hypomanic and major depressive episodes. Lastly, when looking at Cyclothymic Disorder, it appears the symptoms are less intense, as an individual would experience hypomanic episodes and minor depressive episodes.
How do I manage Bipolar Disorder?
Pharmacotherapy
Individual’s symptoms may decrease in intensity and frequency when an appropriate medication is introduced.
Psychotherapy
Symptoms can decrease after individual is empowered with psychoeducation on the condition as well as coping skills
Different evidence-based interventions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Family-Focused Therapy
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
Group Therapy
https://focus.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.focus.20190004
https://www.talkspace.com/mental-health/conditions/bipolar-disorder/therapy-treatment-types/
https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Evidence-based_assessment/Rx4DxTx_of_bipolar_in_youths
Leslie is a therapist at Marigold Counseling. Interested in working with Leslie? Click here to learn more!
