Bipolar disorder seems to come up frequently in conversation and while I knew it is a sensitive topic, and one that requires respect, I didn’t know very much about it. Let’s learn about it today.

What does it mean to be Bipolar?
– brain disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks to approximately 1% of the global population
– moods can change from extremely energized/”up” (manic) to very sad/down (depressive), or hopelessness

Symptoms of a Manic episode:
– have lots of energy
– feel ‘jumpy’ or ‘wired’
– have trouble sleeping
– increased speed of speech
– be agitated, irritable, or ‘touchy’
– do risky things, like spend a lot of money or have reckless sex

Symptoms of a Depressive episode:
– have very little energy
– feel like they can’t enjoy anything
– have trouble concentrating
– think about death or suicide

– sometimes a mood episode include symptoms of both manic and depressive symptoms
– these symptoms are similar to other illnesses (e.g. anxiety disorder, substance abuse, schizophrenia) which makes it hard for doctors to make an accurate diagnosis
– a person with severe episodes of mania/depression may exhibit psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions

Diagnosis via speaking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional:
– physical exam
– mental health evaluation
– diagnosis from a psychiatrist

Causes of bipolar disorder:
– no single cause, but likely many factors contributing to the illness or increase risk
– some studies show how the brain structure of healthy people differ from those that suffer from bipolar disorder
– some studies suggest certain genes causes it, but it has been shown that identical twins (the same genes) won’t
both necessary develop bipolar disorder if one develops it
– environmental factors including childhood abuse, or long-term stress
– it may occur from neurological conditions/injuries (stroke, traumatic brain injury, HIV infection)

Types of treatments and therapies
– medication (mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, sleep medication)
– psychotherapy and counselling
– bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness where treatment decreases the triggering of elevated episodes

For more information:
Canadian Mental Health Association
Mayo Clinic
Wikipedia