Bipolar Articles

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC

Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania. These episodes can vary in length and severity depending on the type of bipolar disorder a person is diagnosed with. The shifts in mood and energy levels can cause disruptions in one’s career, relationships, and quality of life. 

Those living with bipolar disorder may experience difficulty sleeping, eating, and maintaining hobbies. However, evidence has shown that, with treatment, people with bipolar disorder can enjoy productive lives. Understanding bipolar disorder and its unique subtypes is often the first step to finding support. 

Types Of Bipolar Disorder

There are three subtypes of bipolar disorder, including the following: 

• Bipolar I disorder
• Bipolar II disorder
• Cyclothymia 

In bipolar I disorder, individuals are diagnosed due to the presence of at least one manic episode lasting at least a week. Mania involves highly elevated mood and energy levels, which may lead to delusions of grandeur, a lack of sleep, difficulty with empathy, psychosis, and other challenges. Mania can sometimes lead to hospitalization due to its severity. People with bipolar I disorder may also experience depressive episodes. However, these episodes are not required for diagnosis. 

In bipolar II disorder, individuals do not experience mania but experience a less severe energy shift called hypomania, which involves elevated mood and energy levels and difficulty sleeping. However, hypomania is not associated with more severe manic symptoms like psychosis or delusions. Hypomania also tends to last from two to four days. People with bipolar II disorder must also experience a depressive episode lasting two weeks or more. The symptoms of depression may include severe, prolonged sadness, a loss of interest in hobbies, and difficulty finding motivation. 

Cyclothymia involves patterns of depression and hypomania that do not fit the criteria for bipolar II disorder. Because cyclothymia does not involve mania, it differs from bipolar I disorder. This condition is rarer but can occur when mood swings do not fit a pattern for diagnosing one of the other subtypes.

How many people have bipolar disorder? 

According to studies, 4.4% of US adults (14.5 million) live with bipolar disorder in their lifetime. This condition is most common in adults and is about 60% to 85% hereditary. However, children and adolescents may rarely be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which may be referred to as pediatric bipolar disorder. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder? 

Below are some of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder, depending on the symptoms of mania, hypomania, and depression. 

Symptoms of mania

Individuals with bipolar I disorder may experience the following symptoms during a manic episode: 

• Pressured or loud speech 
• Racing thoughts 
• Switching conversation topics quickly 
• Increased energy
• Difficulty slowing down 
• Insomnia and a decreased sense of needing to sleep 
• Grandiosity or inflated self-perception
• Compulsive or excessive spending
• Hypersexuality
• Impulsivity
• Substance misuse
• Psychosis, in some cases 

During a manic episode, a person may spend excessive money, engage in promiscuous behavior, and potentially exhibit narcissistic traits. A manic episode can vary in length and severity and may last a week to a few months. Some people with bipolar I disorder have periods where they are asymptomatic, meaning they aren’t experiencing symptoms. However, bipolar I disorder is considered a severe mental illness and is often treated using medication and therapy. 

Symptoms of depression

While symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder can vary from person to person, below are a few of the most common:  

• Low energy
• Fatigue
• Insomnia or hypersomnia 
• Thoughts of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm*
• Changes in eating
• Social isolation
• Slow speech

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text 988 to talk to a crisis provider over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support. 988 also offers an online chat for those with an internet connection.

Symptoms of hypomania 

Bipolar II disorder can be challenging to diagnose because it involves primarily depressive symptoms. Some people with this condition may be misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) when seeking help.

Bipolar II disorder is diagnosed when hypomania is present. While hypomania is a less intense form of mania, it can be disruptive. Hypomania may include the following symptoms:

• Increased energy
• A decreased need for sleep
• Pressured speech
• Hypersexuality
• Inflated self-esteem
• Increased productivity
• Risky activities 

Although individuals with hypomania may experience increased energy levels, these episodes are not as extreme as those involving mania. Further, hypomania may only last up to a week. 

Bipolar Disorder Type II

Bipolar disorder type 2 can be challenging to diagnose because it is mainly characterized by depressive symptoms. Many people with bipolar type 2 get misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) when they first seek help. It can take years for the correct diagnosis to be made and, sometimes, a person goes their entire life without a proper diagnosis. When someone with bipolar II disorder gets the proper diagnosis, it can be life-changing because they can receive the correct treatment interventions.

Bipolar type 2 differs from MDD because someone with bipolar type 2 experiences hypomania, which is a less intense form of mania. While hypomania is a less intense form of mania, it can still be disruptive. If hypomania is left untreated, however, a person might transition into a full-blown manic episode, which is why it can be crucial to diagnose and treat the disorder accordingly.

Hypomania may include the following symptoms:

• Increased energy
• Less need for sleep
• Pressured speech
• Hypersexuality
• Inflated self-esteem
• Increased productivity

Although individuals with hypomania may experience increased energy levels, these episodes are not as extreme as those involving mania. Further, hypomania tends to last around a week, while mania can last anywhere from a few weeks to months at a time.

Support options 

Managing the ups and downs of bipolar disorder can be challenging independently.
If you are living with these symptoms or have been diagnosed with this condition, you’re not alone. In addition, if a busy schedule or uncomfortable symptoms make it difficult to reach out for support, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more accessible. 

With an online therapy platform, you can remain in the comfort of your home during therapy and choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions. The convenience and flexibility of online therapy may make it a helpful resource when living with unpredictable mood swings. In addition, research has shown that online therapy can successfully manage and treat various psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder. 

In one study, researchers found that internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy could effectively treat anxiety and depression in individuals with bipolar disorder. Satisfaction with the intervention was rated highly by participants. CBT is a therapeutic framework focusing on the link between a person’s thoughts and behaviors. 

Takeaway

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that involves alternating episodes of depression with mania or hypomania. An individual may experience certain symptoms that can make daily functioning difficult. 

Managing the highs and lows associated with bipolar disorder can be difficult, but treatment and support are available. With the support of a therapist, you can learn how to cope with your symptoms effectively and live more productively. You’re not alone, and treatment is possible.