Episodic Mood Shifts

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental disorder that is associated with drastic, episodic mood shifts. Bipolar episodes range from depressive to hypomanic to manic. Basically, people with bipolar disorder may experience extreme shifts in mood, with little control over their emotions. It’s a lifelong mental illness that may require prolonged treatment to help stabilize a person’s day-to-day moods and experiences.

There are several different types of bipolar disorder, each of them affecting a person differently. However, the basis remains the same and all revolve around mood instability. A person with bipolar disorder may not be aware of their mood shifts, making it more common for those around them (friends, family members, etc.) to pick up on it first.

The following are the types of bipolar disorders and their effects.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I

Bipolar I disorder is classified as having manic episodes that last for seven days or longer, or severe manic symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Depressive episodes exist alongside mania, usually lasting for extended periods (longer than two weeks) at a time.

People with bipolar I often report having both depressive and manic symptoms at the same time, making it difficult to decipher their true experiences and emotions. They may also experience ‘rapid cycling,’ which involves having four or more episodes of mania or depression within a year.

Bipolar I manic episodes are often described as being overwhelmed with joy, feeling euphoric and having lots of energy. They also may require less sleep or not sleep at all.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II disorder is classified as having more episodes of depression, with manic episodes being less severe or erratic. Those with bipolar II often experience hypomania, which is similar to mania with less intense symptoms that are not as full-blown in nature.

Depressive episodes in bipolar II may be longer lasting and present more severe symptoms, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue and thoughts of suicide.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymia is a rare mood disorder that results in mood swings and the inability to control emotions. While cases of cyclothymic disorder are not as extreme as bipolar symptoms, it may still negatively affect a person’s everyday life and ability to deal with their experiences.

Symptoms of cyclothymic disorder include intermittent mood shifts (similar to mania and depression), which may or may not progress with time.

How to Recognize Bipolar Disorder

While it may be difficult for a person to decipher which type of bipolar disorder they or a loved one have, there are general telltale signs to look out for. Bipolar disorder symptoms vary from person to person depending on their daily routine, personality and lifestyle, but the general undertone of extreme shifts in mood remains the same.

The most common symptoms in those diagnosed with bipolar disorder are as follows:

Mania

  • Feelings of euphoria
  • Overwhelming joy and elation
  • Risk-taking behavior, lessened inhibitions
  • Delusions of grandeur
  • Paranoia
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity
  • Disorganization
  • Engaging in excessive sexual behavior
  • Aggression
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Rapid speaking
  • Weight loss or gain

Depression

  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • General discontent
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Crying
  • Anxiety
  • Guilt
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Fatigue

A person with bipolar disorder may experience these symptoms for periods of time, back-to-back. Their mood swings may suddenly affect them, changing their behavior with it. Those with cyclothymic disorder may experience similar mood episodes with less intensity.

Treatment

Bipolar disorder treatment depends on many factors, including prior diagnoses (if any). The mental health history of a person should be considered first since that will likely determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Treatment for bipolar disorder includes:

Therapy

Therapy can be a helpful tool in diagnosing and treating many mental health conditions. Not all therapeutic approaches are the same. Depending on a person’s bipolar diagnosis and personal needs, the following may be used:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Talk therapy focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors caused by psychological distress
  • Psychotherapy – General talk therapy for mental or behavioral disorders
  • Family therapy – Psychotherapeutic counseling with loved ones to efficiently communicate and resolve conflicts

Support Groups

There are many different kinds of support groups, and joining one can have many benefits. Support groups can be a comforting space for those who feel alone in their struggles with mental health issues like bipolar disorder.

Being able to connect with others over a shared behavior or issue can help to lessen the burden and shame. In support group meetings, a person may learn healthy coping mechanisms and techniques, while becoming part of a community that understands them. Support group settings can be effective alongside treating bipolar disorder with other methods.

Medication

For some, treatment options may require taking medication. Medications can be mood-stabilizing and help treatment progression alongside therapy or other methods. With mood-stabilizers, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be considered depending on a person’s bipolar type and the symptoms they experience with it. SSRIs may be considered for major depressive episodes, helping to level out the shift from mania to depression. Anticonvulsants and antipsychotics may be considered for major manic episodes with extreme symptoms.

Side effects may vary from person to person, which means finding the right medication can take trial and error.

Lifestyle Changes

Implementing healthy habits can be the first step toward a more fulfilling life experience for anyone. Although it may require discipline, there are easy, risk-free ways to lessen mental stress and emotional reactivity. Try creating and sticking to a daily routine, staying organized, minimizing excess stimuli when you need to focus, and keeping your body active when possible. Shifts in mood are a part of having bipolar disorder, but doing your best to keep your environment structured and consistent may play a role in treatment.