How much do you know about bipolar disorder?

Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments

• Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels.
• There are three types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic disorder.
• Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days, with depressive episodes lasting at least 2 weeks.
• Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes.
• Cyclothymic disorder is defined by recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.
• Symptoms of bipolar disorder include mood episodes, with manic episodes involving feeling very up, high, or irritable, while depressive episodes involve feeling very down or sad.
• Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on symptoms, lifetime history, experiences, and family history, and accurate diagnosis in youth is important.
• Bipolar disorder is often treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy, with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics commonly prescribed.
• Psychotherapy can provide support, education, and guidance, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) being effective treatments.
• Other treatment options include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and light therapy.
• Complementary health approaches for bipolar disorder are not based on current knowledge or evidence.
• Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but following a treatment plan, structuring activities, tracking moods, and staying connected with social support can help manage symptoms and live a healthy life.