Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by moods that can swing from depression to mania, usually with periods of normal moods in between. The episodes of either depression or mania can last anywhere from hours to months. Approximately 2% of Canadians will be diagnosed with bipolar disorder in their lifetime. Generally men and women are equally diagnosed with bipolar disorder but men tend to describe experiences of mania and women will generally describe depression. The mortality rate of people with bipolar disorder is two to three times higher than the general population.  When we talk about diagnosis and treatment, on average a person will see four doctors before obtaining the correct diagnosis of bipolar disorder. There is a spectrum of types of bipolar disorder. Some types you might hear about are: bipolar I, which is mania and depressive episodes with or without psychosis; bipolar II, which is characterized by episodes of major depression alternating with episodes of hypomania which are not severe enough to impair functioning;  cyclothymia, a milder form of bipolar characterized by brief episodes of depression and hypomania. Cyclothymia can also be described as minor cyclic mood disorder.

While in the depression side of bipolar, the symptoms are the same as others experiencing clinical depression. When people are in mania the symptoms are different. For information about the depression side of bipolar disorder click on Depression Information. The other side of bipolar, mania is discussed below.

Someone with bipolar disorder usually experiences one or more manic episodes related to their illness. Mania can take many forms and symptoms can include:

• Anger and irritability
• Excessively high, elevated moods
• Sleeplessness
• Racing thoughts and ideas,
• Overspending,
• Unreasonable optimism
• Poor judgment  
• Problems paying attention

Clearly these symptoms can impair a person with bipolar in a number of ways from relationships to working. Although bipolar disorder can be diagnosed at any age, the common age of onset is in one’s early 20’s. Many people will not be correctly diagnosed with bipolar disorder right away. Often when someone with bipolar goes to the doctor, the depression is diagnosed but the doctor may fail to ask certain questions that could lead to a finding of bipolar disorder instead of clinical depression. Bipolar disorder can be mild to severe depending on the symptoms described. There are categories or bipolar disorder including bipolar I, bipolar ii, cyclothymic disorder and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified.
 

Bipolar I
This type of bipolar is characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode, and one or more major depressive episodes. In bipolar I the episodes last for at least one week but may continue for months. Bipolar I is the most severe form of the illness.

Bipolar II
This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by depression with occasional hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is a less intense form of mania that can still impair functioning.

Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified
This category is for people who experience the symptoms of mania and depression but their symptoms do not fit neatly into the other types of bipolar. Just like all types of bipolar, it is highly treatable once diagnosed.  

In terms of the factors for a diagnosis of bipolar, as in most mental illnesses there are genetic and environmental components. If you have a family history of bipolar in one parent, your chance of developing bipolar disorder is 10%. If both parents have either diagnosed or undiagnosed bipolar disorder, then your chances jump to 35%. While a family history of mental illness does not cause mental illness, a family history can increase the vulnerability to mental illness.

Bipolar, like all other mental illnesses, can be hard to manage. Mood swings for no obvious reason, impaired judgment and decision making, and depression are all serious symptoms that intrude into a person’s life in many ways. Knowing your symptoms, charting your moods, taking medications and learning all about bipolar can help you feel more in control of the disease and can help one take preemptive measures when depression or mania is ‘coming on.'

Cyclothymic Disorder
This disorder can be seen as a less severe form of bipolar which still impairs and causes havoc in a person’s life. This type of bipolar is characterized by periods of depression, hypomania and normal mood. These mood swings typically last days rather than weeks, and while less severe than in bipolar I or II, can still cause chaos in one’s life. For example, feelings that fluctuate from day to day can really affect someone’s decision making.