Bipolar Disorder

What is a bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition that causes changes in your energy, mood, and ability to function. This brain disorder is characterized by intense emotional states known as mood episodes that can be manic, hypomanic, or depressive.

There are different forms of bipolar disorder, including:

• Bipolar I: dramatic mood swings with periods of normal moods in between
• Bipolar II: similar to bipolar I, but co-occurs with other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
• Cyclothymic (or cyclothymia): less extreme mood swings that occur often

The intense emotions associated with bipolar disorder can be very different from those of a healthy person.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar symptoms vary depending on the mood episode that you’re in. When in a depressive mood, you might have little energy, feel hopeless, or have thoughts of death or suicide.

People having manic episodes may experience symptoms that include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Having excess energy
• Talking quickly about lots of things
• Feeling elated, agitated, irritable, or wired

When you’re in a manic mood episode, it’s also common to engage in risky activities like having reckless sexual interactions or spending a lot of money.

It’s also possible to experience both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. These mood episodes are called “episodes with mixed features,” and you might, for example, feel energized and utterly hopeless at the same time.  

What causes bipolar disorder?

Genetics play a role, as 80-90% of men and women with this condition have a relative with depression or bipolar disorder. However, environmental factors like drug and alcohol use, disrupted sleep, and extreme stress can also be factors.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

There isn’t a cure for bipolar disorder, but Dr. Madkaiker can help you manage your mood episodes and symptoms. This might include medications like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics. He may also recommend psychotherapy like cognitive behavior therapy, psychoeducation, or family-focused therapy

With bipolar disorder cases that haven’t responded to other treatments, Dr. Madkaiker might also suggest electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This therapy can provide relief for some men and women with severe bipolar disorder.

If you’re struggling with bipolar disorder, call Satyen Madkaiker, MD, FAPA, or schedule an appointment online today.