Bipolar Disorder is often misrepresented by a rapid change in mood from moment to moment, when, in essence, this disorder encompasses significant shifts in functioning over longer periods of time. This disorder, which affects millions of people every year, can be debilitating in its effects on one’s relationships, career, and daily functioning.
Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The primary components of Bipolar Disorder represent a spectrum of symptoms that generally fit into two categories: depressive symptoms and mania. While an individual may not have a clear “episode” of either depression or mania, there must be a period of time in which both of these symptoms exist in succession in order to fall within the Bipolar Disorder spectrum.
Depressive symptoms typically include lack of energy, feelings of hopelessness, muscle soreness, lack of concentration, and a significant decrease in interest in previously enjoyed activities. Mania is generally thought of as an increase in positive or “up” feelings, but it will also likely include bursts of energy, intense focus on specific activities, impulsivity, irritability, or hypersexuality. In all of these cases, these symptoms are very rarely only experienced for a short period of time, but generally last at least a number of days or weeks.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is distinguished by two types, Type I and Type II, that are primarily divided by the severity of the manic episode that follows, or precedes, the depressive one. In addition, a mental health provider may also specify which episode was first or current, mania or depression, as well as if there were mixed features present. A depressive episode is marked by periods of time in which a person would feel sad, empty or hopeless for most of the day as well as with a marked decrease in interest or pleasure in most activities throughout the day. It can also be accompanied by insomnia, weight loss, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, diminished ability to concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
A manic episode would appear as an increase in energy causing a flight of ideas, rapid speech, no or little sleep, increased focus on activities, physical agitation (i.e. pacing), and an increase in risky behaviors. This can most easily be spurred by a significant change in the person’s day-to-day routine, especially with the last identifier of risky behaviors. True manic episodes only appear in Bipolar Disorder Type I, whereas hypomania, or a decreased manic phase, appears with Bipolar Disorder Type II. All episodes would need to disrupt daily functioning to qualify for the disorder, however, many with Bipolar Disorder Type II may not even recognize a hypomanic phase, simply seeing it as an increase in mood following a depressive episode.
These symptoms must be present and consistent for at least a two week period of time to qualify as a depressive episode. Over the course of the episode, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in functioning, specifically in one’s performance of daily tasks.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Counseling Options
There are traditional two parts to treating Bipolar Disorder Type I or Type II: medical intervention and psychotherapy. While many choose not to use medication management options, this would require strict use of routine and proactive therapeutic treatments to be as effective. If the depressive and manic symptoms continue to increase in their severity, including suicidal thoughts or extremely risky behaviors, hospitalization or higher levels of care may need to be considered.
Following a reduction in symptoms, the underlying cause is generally treated using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), or cognitive-based therapy in conjunction with medicinal interventions, depending on the severity.
Resources Available for Bipolar & Mood Disorders
Here are additional resources for cutting-edge treatments and identifiers for Bipolar Disorders.
- Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Tips for identifying & preventing manic episodes (University of Michigan)
- Current research on Bipolar Disorder (Stanford University)
If you’ve been suffering from Bipolar Disorder in San Antonio, counseling or therapy services are available to help at Green Mountain Counseling. Contact us for San Antonio-based Bipolar Disorder Counseling.