Can Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Differ In Women And Men?
Bipolar disorder is a condition that can affect people’s mood and energy levels, and research has found that symptoms of bipolar disorder can differ in women and men. For example, women may be more likely to experience depressive episodes, and their manic symptoms may be more severe than those of men. Regardless of a person’s gender, bipolar disorder can often be treated with a combination of therapy and medication.
Brief overview of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by two main mental states: mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder may have a higher risk of other mental health conditions as well, such as anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
What else to know about this mental health condition
Bipolar disorder signs usually start to emerge around age 25. More rarely, people may also develop the disorder as teens or children. This is sometimes called early-onset or pediatric bipolar disorder.
The exact causes of bipolar disorder are still being studied. That said, a few factors may put someone at a greater risk of developing bipolar disorder. Some common risk factors include substance and alcohol use, stressful life events, and genetics.
What are the primary symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Mania is the mental state that qualifies someone for a bipolar diagnosis, but it can also be accompanied by episodes of depression. There are also mixed episodes, where symptoms of both mania and depression present at the same time. But what are these symptoms?
Mania and its signs
Mania can be described as a state of extremely high energy. People in a state of mania might believe they are important or invincible. They might also feel extremely happy, restless, or irritable. As a result, they may act in ways that are impulsive or irresponsible. Symptoms of mania may include the following:
- Talking extremely quickly
- Making big decisions or plans on a whim
- Not sleeping or sleeping very little
- Engaging in risky behavior, like reckless driving or spending sprees
- Experiencing delusions or hallucinations
- Acting in a way that seems very out of character
When a person with bipolar disorder goes through a period of mania, this is often called “a manic episode.”
Depression and its signs
In some ways, depression can be seen as the opposite of mania. Depression can involve feelings of intense sadness or hopelessness. Someone experiencing a depressive episode might experience lethargy and find it hard to interact with others or complete daily tasks. They might also withdraw from their relationships because of negative perceptions of themselves or others. Other symptoms of depression may include:
- Ongoing feelings of sadness or guilt
- Struggling to concentrate or remember information
- Losing interest in hobbies and relationships
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Gaining or losing weight
- Developing unexplained headaches, stomach aches, muscle pains, or other physical symptoms
There are three primary types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania, and also often involves depression. These episodes may last from days to weeks, months, or—rarely—years. The severity and types of episodes a person experiences typically depends on the type of bipolar disorder they have.
When many of us think of bipolar disorder, we probably think of the “classic” mania and depression symptoms typically seen in bipolar disorder type I.
Bipolar I disorder
People with bipolar I disorder typically experience manic episodes that last at least seven days. They may also experience depressive episodes. When a person experiences four or more periods of depression or mania in one year, this is called “rapid cycling.”
However, bipolar disorder type I isn’t the only type of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar II disorder
Bipolar disorder type II usually involves episodes of depression and what’s called hypomania. Hypomania is similar to mania, but with less severe symptoms that tend to last less than a week. A person experiencing hypomania might have an elevated mood and energy levels, but they are often still able to function in daily life. They also do not experience symptoms of psychosis during their hypomanic episodes—that would classify them manic episodes instead.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is a form of bipolar disorder that generally involves hypomania and depressive symptoms, but not to the same extent as bipolar I or II. It’s similar to how dysthymia, or persistent depressive disorder, is a “less severe” but long-term presentation of major or other depression.
If a person’s symptoms are intense or long-lasting enough to qualify as disordered moods—but not severe or persistent enough to qualify them for a type I or II diagnosis—they might be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder instead.
Do women and men experience bipolar disorder or mental health differently?
According to the NHS, men and women seem to be equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. That said, symptoms of bipolar disorder can look different between women and men.
For instance, research has suggested that women may be more likely to experience certain physical health concerns when they live with bipolar disorder. In a 2021 study, researchers monitored the health of 200 male and female patients with bipolar disorder for 25 months. They found that women with bipolar disorder were generally more likely to have obesity, hypothyroidism, and migraines. More research may be needed to understand why, but it’s possible that social factors or sex hormones play a role.
Mania may be more likely in men, but more severe in women
According to the International Bipolar Foundation, women with bipolar disorder tend to be more likely to experience depression, while men may be more likely to experience manic episodes. A 2022 study suggests that when women do experience mania, they may have more intense symptoms on average.
Depressive bipolar disorder symptoms in women and men may also differ
Other research has looked at gender differences in symptoms during depressive episodes. In a 2021 study, researchers surveyed 100 men and women with bipolar disorder and analyzed their symptoms. They found that, compared to men, women with bipolar disorder were usually more likely to experience apathy (loss of interest in goals and relationships) during depressive episodes. Women were typically more likely to experience body dysmorphia and appetite changes as well.
Note that this doesn’t mean men don’t experience severe mania, or women only experience apathetic depression. These are population-wide averages; each individual with bipolar disorder will have their own experience. Additionally, not everyone identifies with the binary gender system, which means their experiences may not be reflected in much of the existing research.
What is the outlook for bipolar disorder symptoms in women and men?
No matter your gender, living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and people with bipolar disorder often need lifelong mental health support. That said, there are several treatment options. With proper support, improving symptoms and quality of life with bipolar disorder is often possible.
Medication is the backbone, but supplementary options exist
Managing bipolar disorder often involves a combination of treatments. Medications, like mood stabilizers and antidepressants, may reduce the severity of mood symptoms and are considered a first-line—if not necessary—treatment for most instances of the disorder. Antipsychotics are another medication option that may be helpful for people who experience delusions or hallucinations. Always consult your doctor or psychiatrist before starting, stopping, or changing the way you take medication.
Certain lifestyle changes can mitigate some of the triggers of manic or depressive symptoms. Regular sleep, adequate nutrition, and consistent exercise are all beneficial supplements to medication.
Therapy may also be helpful for people with bipolar disorder. With the support of a therapist, it can be possible to recognize the signs of manic or depressive episodes and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Online therapy is a viable alternative for the symptoms of bipolar disorder
Sticking to therapy long-term may be easier if you enjoy working with your therapist. Finding the right fit can sometimes take a few tries, which is why online therapy may be useful. Internet-based platforms typically let you change therapists as needed for no additional fee. This may make it easier to find the right therapist for you.
Studies have found that online therapy can effectively treat bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses that may co-occur with it. In a 2017 review, researchers analyzed data from 373 studies of internet-based therapy. They found that online therapy could be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
Takeaway
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition usually involving extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder may experience periods of high energy, as well as periods of low mood. These are usually called manic episodes and depressive episodes.
Bipolar disorder affects both genders, but its symptoms can look different in women. Research has found that women with bipolar disorder may be more likely to have manic episodes, certain depressive symptoms, and certain physical health conditions. Treating bipolar disorder is often possible with therapy and medication. With support, people of all genders with bipolar disorder can improve their mental health and well-being.
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