Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression or manic depressive disorder, is a complex mental health condition that affects approximately 2.8% of Americans. This mood disorder causes dramatic shifts in mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, and the ability to function in daily life.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of bipolar disorder. With proper treatment, most people with bipolar disorder can achieve mood stability and lead fulfilling lives.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood episodes that range from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to devastating lows (depression). These episodes last for days or weeks at a time and represent a significant departure from your usual mood and behavior.

It's important to understand that bipolar disorder is NOT just ordinary mood swings that everyone experiences. We're talking about intense emotional states that:

• Last for extended periods (days to weeks)
• Significantly impair your ability to function
• Feel completely out of your control
• Create noticeable changes that others observe
• Can become dangerous without treatment

Mood swings that last only a few hours are not indicative of bipolar disorder. These shorter fluctuations may be related to other mental health conditions or situational stress.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Understanding the symptoms helps you recognize when professional help is needed. Roughly 83% of bipolar disorder cases are classified as severe, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

Manic Episode Symptoms

During manic episodes, you may experience:

• Euphoria or extreme irritability - Feeling unusually "high" or easily angered
• Inflated self-esteem - Believing you have special powers or abilities
• Reduced sleep need - Feeling rested after only 2-3 hours
• Racing thoughts - Ideas flowing so fast you can't keep up
• Excessive talkativeness - Speaking rapidly, jumping between topics
• Distractibility - Unable to maintain focus
• Increased goal-directed activity - Starting multiple projects simultaneously
• Risky behavior - Overspending, sexual indiscretions, impulsive investments
• Unusual energy surge - Feeling wired and restless

Depressive Episode Symptoms

During depressive episodes, you may experience:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness - Overwhelming despair that won't lift
• Loss of interest - No longer enjoying activities you once loved
• Significant weight changes - Loss or gain without trying
• Sleep disturbances - Insomnia or sleeping excessively
• Physical slowness or agitation - Slowed movements or restless pacing
• Fatigue - Complete lack of energy for even simple tasks
• Feelings of worthlessness - Excessive guilt or self-blame
• Difficulty concentrating - Unable to make decisions or focus
• Thoughts of death - Recurring thoughts about dying or suicide

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are three main types of bipolar disorder, each with distinct characteristics:

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I involves at least one manic episode lasting seven or more days. The mania is severe enough that it significantly disrupts daily life or requires hospitalization. Most people with Bipolar I also experience depressive episodes, but depression isn't required for diagnosis.

Manic episodes in Bipolar I can include psychotic features like hallucinations or delusions, requiring immediate psychiatric intervention.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II is characterized by at least one hypomanic episode (a milder form of mania lasting at least four days) and at least one major depressive episode. The hypomanic episodes don't severely impair functioning or require hospitalization, but the depressive episodes can be just as severe as in Bipolar I.

Many people with Bipolar II spend more time in depression than hypomania, making depression the more challenging aspect of their condition.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymia involves chronic fluctuating mood with numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don't meet full criteria for hypomanic or major depressive episodes. These symptoms persist for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents).

While less severe than Bipolar I or II, cyclothymia still causes significant distress and increases the risk of developing full bipolar disorder.

How Bipolar Disorder is Diagnosed

Accurate diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist. At Next Step Psychiatry, our diagnostic process includes:

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation - Detailed assessment of symptoms and history
• Medical history review - Ruling out medical conditions that mimic bipolar symptoms
• Family history - Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component
• Mood tracking - Documentation of episode patterns and severity
• Physical examination - Excluding medical causes of mood symptoms

Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as major depression because people typically seek help during depressive episodes. This is why working with an experienced psychiatrist is essential—accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment from the start.

Treatment Options at Next Step Psychiatry

While bipolar disorder cannot be "cured," it is highly treatable. Most people achieve significant symptom relief and mood stability with proper treatment. Our comprehensive approach includes:

Medication Management

Medication forms the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment. The right medications can:

• Stabilize mood and prevent episodes
• Reduce the severity of symptoms
• Decrease the frequency of mood swings
• Enable you to function effectively in daily life

Mood Stabilizers

These medications help level out the extreme highs and lows:

• Lithium - The gold standard; effective for both mania and depression prevention
• Lamictal (Lamotrigine) - Particularly helpful for bipolar depression
• Depakote (Valproate) - Effective for acute mania
• Tegretol (Carbamazepine) - Alternative mood stabilizer option

Antipsychotic Medications

Second-generation antipsychotics are often used alongside mood stabilizers:

• Abilify (Aripiprazole)
• Seroquel (Quetiapine)
• Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
• Latuda (Lurasidone)
• Vraylar (Cariprazine)

Antidepressants

For bipolar depression, antidepressants may be carefully added to mood stabilizers. They're never used alone due to the risk of triggering manic episodes.

Psychotherapy

Combining medication with therapy produces the best outcomes. Effective therapeutic approaches include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Identifies and modifies harmful thought patterns
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy - Establishes consistent daily routines
• Family-Focused Therapy - Educates and involves loved ones
• Psychoeducation - Teaches you about your condition and self-management

Lifestyle Modifications

Supporting your treatment plan with healthy habits enhances stability:

• Maintaining consistent sleep schedules
• Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Regular exercise and healthy eating
• Building a strong support network
• Monitoring mood to catch early warning signs

Why Choose Next Step Psychiatry?

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we provide specialized, compassionate care for bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. Our team understands that living with bipolar disorder presents unique challenges, and we're committed to helping you achieve lasting stability.

We offer:

• Expert diagnosis - Accurate evaluation by experienced psychiatrists
• Personalized treatment plans - Tailored to your specific symptoms and needs
• Medication management - Careful monitoring and optimization
• Therapeutic support - Evidence-based therapy approaches
• Flexible appointments - In-person and telemedicine options
• Ongoing care - Long-term support for sustained stability

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bipolar disorder be cured?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but it is highly manageable with proper treatment. Many people with bipolar disorder live full, productive lives with the right combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle management.

Will I need medication forever?

Most people with bipolar disorder benefit from long-term medication to prevent episodes and maintain stability. Stopping medication—even when feeling well—significantly increases the risk of relapse. Your psychiatrist will work with you to find the most effective medications with the fewest side effects.

Is bipolar disorder hereditary?

Yes, bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component. Having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with bipolar disorder significantly increases your risk. However, many people with bipolar disorder have no family history of the condition.