Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mood changes that can range from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.
Bipolar disorder is manageable. With proper treatment, many people with bipolar disorder lead full, productive lives. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are key to long-term stability.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. These descriptions are not diagnostic tools. Bipolar disorder diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation by qualified healthcare providers using standardized criteria.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood changes, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood episodes are distinct from normal mood fluctuations and significantly impact daily functioning.
Types of Bipolar Disorder:
- Bipolar I Disorder: At least one manic episode, often with major depressive episodes
- Bipolar II Disorder: Hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes (no full manic episodes)
- Cyclothymic Disorder: Milder mood swings with hypomanic and depressive periods lasting at least 2 years
Recognizing Mood Episodes
Bipolar disorder involves distinct episodes of mania/hypomania and depression, separated by periods of normal mood.
Manic Episode Symptoms
Lasting at least 1 week (or any duration if hospitalization needed)
- • Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
- • Increased energy or activity
- • Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- • Decreased need for sleep
- • More talkative than usual
- • Racing thoughts or flight of ideas
- • Easily distracted
- • Increased goal-directed activity
- • Risky behavior with potential consequences
Hypomanic Episode Symptoms
Lasting at least 4 consecutive days, less severe than mania
- • Similar symptoms to mania but milder
- • Noticeable change from usual behavior
- • Others can observe the mood change
- • Functioning may actually improve temporarily
- • No severe impairment or psychotic features
- • No hospitalization required
- • Increased productivity or creativity
- • More social or outgoing than usual
Depressive Episode Symptoms
Lasting at least 2 weeks with significant distress or impairment
- • Persistent sad, empty, or hopeless mood
- • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- • Significant weight loss or gain
- • Sleep problems (too much or too little)
- • Fatigue or loss of energy
- • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- • Psychomotor agitation or slowing
- • Thoughts of death or suicide
- • Significant functional impairment
When to Seek Professional Help
Seek Professional Support If:
- You experience distinct periods of elevated or depressed mood
- Mood changes significantly impact relationships or work
- Family history of bipolar disorder or mood disorders
- You've been told your behavior seems unusual during certain periods
- Previous antidepressants triggered unusual energy or mood changes
🚨 Seek Emergency Help If You Experience:
- • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- • Thoughts of harming others
- • Severe manic behavior with dangerous decisions
- • Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)
- • Complete inability to care for yourself
Crisis Resources Available 24/7:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
Emergency Services: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
Evidence-Based Treatment Options
Bipolar disorder typically requires long-term treatment. Most people achieve mood stability with proper medication management and ongoing support.
Medication Management
- Mood Stabilizers: Lithium, anticonvulsants to prevent mood episodes
- Atypical Antipsychotics: For mania, depression, and maintenance
- Antidepressants: Carefully used with mood stabilizers for depression
- Combination Therapy: Often multiple medications for optimal stability
Medication requires regular blood work and monitoring for optimal safety and effectiveness.
Therapy & Support
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Identify triggers and develop coping skills
- Family-Focused Therapy: Education and communication skills for families
- Interpersonal Therapy: Improve relationships and social functioning
- Psychoeducation: Learn about the condition and self-management
Treatment Goals
The primary goals are to achieve mood stability, prevent future episodes, improve functioning, and maintain quality of life. Treatment is typically long-term and requires ongoing medication management and regular monitoring.
Self-Management Strategies
These strategies can help maintain stability alongside professional treatment and medication management.
Daily Structure
- • Consistent sleep schedule (7-9 hours)
- • Regular meal times
- • Daily routine and structure
- • Medication adherence
- • Limit alcohol and substances
Mood Monitoring
- • Track daily mood patterns
- • Identify early warning signs
- • Monitor sleep and energy levels
- • Use mood tracking apps
- • Share patterns with providers
Support Systems
- • Maintain regular therapy appointments
- • Build supportive relationships
- • Join support groups
- • Educate family members
- • Create safety plans
Living Well with Bipolar Disorder
"Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it doesn't have to define your life. With consistent treatment, self-awareness, and support, many people with bipolar disorder achieve stability and pursue their goals successfully."— Keeley Haas, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Expert Medical Review
Reviewed by: Keeley Haas, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Last reviewed: August 10, 2025
Dr. Haas specializes in mood disorder management using evidence-based approaches including mood stabilizers, careful medication monitoring, and therapeutic interventions. Content is reviewed regularly and updated based on current clinical practice guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association and International Society for Bipolar Disorders.
Get Expert Care for Bipolar Disorder
Early intervention and consistent treatment are key to achieving mood stability and maintaining quality of life.