Bipolar disorder is known as a brain disorder that causes changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks, these are called mood episodes.

These moods are categorized into 2 categories:

– Manic/Hypomanic
Abnormally happy or in an irritable mood

– Depressive
Upset or down mood

People with bipolar generally have periods of just neutral moods as well. Many experience mood fluctuations, however, these mood changes typically only last a few hours rather than days. When treated, people with bipolar disorder can go on to lead full and productive lives.

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that changes your mental health. Bipolar disorder is characterized by erratic mood changes which can affect your energy and activity levels daily. The four types of bipolar disorders are:

1. Bipolar 1
Characterized by manic episodes that may include depressive symptoms. Your manic episodes can last a week or longer. Your manic episodes can be so bad that they may require hospitalization to ease the symptoms. You do not have to be depressed to be diagnosed with Bipolar 1, however, depressive episodes may become present if your manic episodes last over two weeks.

2. Bipolar 2
Characterized by having both manic and depressive episodes. If you are diagnosed with Bipolar 2, you may experience less severe mania than mentioned in Bipolar 1, hence the name hypomania. However, when you have Bipolar 2, you can experience a major depressive episode either before or after you’ve had a manic break.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder
You may experience both manic and depressive episodes for up to two years or longer. In children, the same is true with the expectation that they experience both manic and depressive episodes for at least a year until they are diagnosed. The mania and depression in Cyclothymic disorder are usually less severe than in Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2. This disorder causes unstable moods, which means you may have periods of normalcy mixed with mania and depressive episodes.

4. Other Types
Finally, you may experience symptoms that do not fit the above three mentioned bipolar categories. If this is true, you are considered a type 4, which is also known as “other bipolar”. Other bipolar may be caused by factors in your life that can induce this like drugs, alcohol, or underlying medical conditions.

A few factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or even act as a trigger for the first episode to develop are:

– Having a first-degree relative with Bipolar Disorder (Ex. Parent or Sibling)
– Times of high stress (Ex. Death of a loved one or another traumatic event)
– Drug Abuse
– Alcohol Abuse

If you are suffering from any kind of mental health disorder, it is important to talk to your doctor and identify and understand the symptoms in order to get properly diagnosed. Bipolar consists of both manic and depressive episodes that can cause a person’s mood to be unstable.

Mania can offer extreme changes in one’s mood, or you can have hypomania which is less severe. Symptoms of Mania Bipolar are:

– Trouble sleeping
– Extreme energy increase
– Increased self-esteem
– Difficulty concentrating throughout the day
– Constant racing thoughts

On the opposite end is depression which can change the person’s emotional highs to hopeless lows. Symptoms of Depressive Bipolar are:

– Tired
– Sadness
– Low energy levels
– Overeating or a total loss of appetite
– Suicidal thoughts

Treatment options will depend on which type of Bipolar disorder you have and what your symptoms are. A lot of the time, you will need medication to manage your Bipolar symptoms, along with therapy.

At Psychiatry Unplugged, our doctor offers a unique treatment option customized for you and your diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact Psychiatry Unplugged today or book your appointment. Psychiatry Unplugged is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We serve patients from Los Angeles CA, Glendale CA, Beverly Hills CA, Santa Monica CA, Hollywood CA, Burbank CA, and Pasadena CA.