What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder (previously called manic-depressive illness) is a mental condition characterized by extreme mood swings. Individuals with this disorder experience episodes of mania, marked by heightened energy, euphoria, and impulsivity, as well as periods of depression, characterized by low mood, lethargy, and feelings of hopelessness. These unusual shifts in mood, energy, and concentration can interrupt an individual’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. There are three types of bipolar disorder (bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder) that are distinguished by the nature and severity of mood episodes. This mental condition is typically diagnosed in late adolescence or young adulthood, although symptoms can sometimes appear in young children. Although bipolar disorder is chronic, a prescribed treatment plan including medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and support from mental health professionals can help those with bipolar manage their symptoms.
Potential Causes of Bipolar Disorder
The exact cause of this condition is unknown, and there may not be one single cause. Research suggests a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors that contribute to the likelihood of an individual having and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. These factors include:
- Genetics. Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of having the condition themselves. Research shows that many genes are involved and no one gene causes the disorder.
- Brain structure and chemistry. There are slight differences in the size and activation of some brain structures in individuals who have bipolar disorder in comparison with those who do not. It is also hypothesized that imbalances in neurotransmitters may contribute to the development of the disorder.
- Environmental factors can contribute, such as exposure to trauma or stress. Traumatic events, such as death, divorce, illness, or other significant life events can trigger the onset of the disorder in those predisposed genetically.
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition, and these risk factors interplay differently from person to person. Not all individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder share the same combination of contributing factors.
Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
This mental disorder involves clear and unusual changes in mood, activity, and energy. These moods are broken into two categories: manic episodes (periods marked by an elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and reduced need for sleep) and depressive episodes (periods marked by feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating). A manic episode includes multiple symptoms, although all are not exclusive to bipolar disorder, including:
- Abnormally heightened mood (extreme happiness, euphoria, or irritability)
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
- Inability to concentrate
- Inflated self-esteem
- Reduced need for sleep, leading to insomnia
- Impulsivity and risk-taking behavior
- Making grand and unattainable plans
- Difficulty staying focused
- Psychosis
In contrast, a depressive episode for an individual diagnosed with bipolar disorder could include some or all of the following symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Appetite changes
- Difficulty staying focused
- Restlessness or slowed movement
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aches, pains, headaches, and digestive issues
- Lack of motivation
Differences Between Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder
As mentioned, there are three main types of bipolar disorder, which each vary in severity of symptoms.
- Bipolar Disorder I involves manic episodes (periods marked by elevated energy and impaired judgement) lasting at least 7 days that alternate with depressive episodes that typically last around 2 weeks. Individuals with this type of bipolar disorder experience intense manic episodes, which is the defining characteristic of bipolar disorder I.
- Bipolar Disorder II involves episodes of hypomania, as opposed to manic episodes. These hypomania episodes are still marked by increased energy, impulsivity, and an elevated mood, but are less severe than the manic episodes experienced by those with bipolar I. Those with bipolar II will still experience depressive episodes, and these can be more prolonged than the hypomanic episodes.
- Cyclothymic Disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It is marked by chronic mood fluctuations between hypomania and mild depression. These episodes do not feature symptoms that are as intense or long lasting as mania or depressive episodes, but those with cyclothymic disorder still experience the unusual cycling of mood states.
All these noted conditions often share similar treatments. A physician and research are needed to determine an individual’s diagnosis and long-term, continuous treatment plan.
Treatments for Bipolar
There are treatments that can help control the symptoms and effects of bipolar disorder. These, along with support from family and community can help manage symptoms. The National Institute of Mental Health lists a number of treatments, as follows:
- Medication is often helpful in managing symptoms of this condition. Healthcare providers can prescribe mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics to address the mood episodes, suicidal thoughts, sleep issues, and anxiety. Working with one’s provider is the best way to find the medications that work best with an individual’s specific form of bipolar.
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is often an effective part of a bipolar disorder treatment plan. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that specifically, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be helpful for treating the depression and insomnia for someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Additionally, adding in family-focused therapy or social rhythm therapy can help stabilize daily routines and improve interpersonal relationships.
- Electroconvulsive Therapies (ECT) involve administrating controlled electric currents to the brain. This type of therapy is only used in extreme cases where individuals respond poorly to medication or when a patient requires rapid response.
Research Studies for Bipolar Disorder
Research studies are currently being conducted for bipolar disorder at a variety of clinical sites across the U.S., including Aim Trials in the Dallas, Texas area. These studies include a variety of types of medicine to target, treat, or suppress the severity of the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Patient involvement in studies of this nature help refine the medical approach to medicating and creating treatment plans to manage this mental condition.
Aim Trials DFW and Schizophrenia
Aim Trials, a clinical research site located in Plano, Texas, is proud to be a part of the medical research community, helping in the fight to treat and hopefully someday limit the impact of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder trials, including trials addressing adolescent bipolar disorder are typically part of the Current Studies taking place at Aim Trials. To learn more about studies at Aim Trials, visit our web site and complete the contact form, or call (972) 325-1573 to see if you, your child, or a family member is a good candidate for a clinical research study.