Introduction:
One of the most common things I hear as a therapist is, “I think I’m Bi-Polar,” or, “I think he/she is Bi-polar.” It has become an expression for people who are happy one minute and upset the next. If this were true, then I guess the majority of humans are bi-polar. It makes sense that people would use the term bipolar when describing someone with mood swings, because it is a mood disorder. Yet, Bi-Polar is so much more than “mood swings”. We hope this helps clarify some of the confusion.

There are two different types of bi-polar, and while they are very similar the main difference between them is whether a person experiences mania or hypomania. Mania is defined by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5), as a mental state of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, and persistently increased level of activity and energy. Most people with Bipolar I disorder experience mania and depression. While people who Bi-polar II experience hypomania, which is a state that resembles mania but of a lesser intensity.

Statistics:
According to the DSM-5, Bi-polar I affects 0.6% of the population in the United States; while, bi-polar II has a 0.8% prevalence in the United Stated. This disorder is typically developed when a person is around 20 years of age, but can develop as young as age 18. It is rare for someone to begin to have symptoms of bipolar disorder at a young age, but it is possible. This is often called Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder in children. This disorder is seen equally across males and females.

Signs and symptoms:
- Euphoria
- Elevated Mood
- Possibly psychosis (i.e. hallucinations or delusions)
- Pressured to speak
- Agitated Mood
- Decreased need to sleep
- Inflated self-esteem
- Easily distracted

Myths
As stated before, some believe that bi-polar is just a person who has bad mood swings. On the contrary, bi-polar is a serious diagnosis with a large genetic and physiological component.

People with Bipolar are always cycling through manic or depressive episodes. The truth is that manic and depressive episodes are not always happening. Some people who have Bipolar may have what is called rapid cycling. Rapid cycling is when a person experiences either a manic or depressed episode 4 times in a span of 12 months. This does not mean that every or even most people with bipolar will experience rapid cycling. Many people can go years without having a manic or depressive episode. Typically, stressors or big changes can cause a person to have an episode.

There is no cure is a common misconception. While there is no one sure fire way to fix any mental health diagnosis, there is treatment that can work.

Treatment:
Treatment for Bi-polar is typically a combination of medication(s) and therapy. For some, a pill is a blessing, but for others, pills can have unwanted side effects. One of the most common drugs for the treatment of bipolar is Lithium. I have met many people who have sworn by lithium and said that is has changed their lives for the better. Others have had negative side effects that outweighed the benefits of the drug. Every person is different and will have different reactions to treatments. One of the most common types of therapy for people with bi-polar is cognitive behavioral therapy, but again some people do not respond well to this treatment and require a more behavioral approach.

If you, or someone you love is diagnosed with Bipolar, you are not alone. Many celebrities such as Patrick Kennedy and Demi Lavato are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Together we can break the silence about bipolar and help stop the stigma. For more information and to take the pledge to fight against mental health stigma’s go to, https://www.nami.org/stigma. Check out the Bipolar magazine at bphope.com. You are not in this fight alone. Davidson Family Therapy is here to help you and your family member continue to thrive.

Resources:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

National Alliance of Mental Illnesses- NAMI.org

Bphope.com magazine

Bipolar Forum- bipolarsupport.org