How to Know if Someone Has Bipolar Disorder?

Introduction

It can be difficult to tell if someone has bipolar disorder. The symptoms can be erratic and often change quickly. However, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are not just mood swings. They are a lot more specific and extreme than just having a lot of different moods. Such massive shifts in moods can affect one’s daily life severely. Spotting the signs of bipolar disorder can help a person to get treatment early on. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), people receive a diagnosis, on average, at the age of 25 years. But it is possible to spot symptoms early, too. 

Let’s explore the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, along with the available treatment options. 

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterised by extreme mood swings that can range from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other mental illnesses, such as depression or schizophrenia.

If you believe that someone you love may be suffering from bipolar disorder, the best thing you can do is encourage them to reach out for help.

The Different Types of Bipolar Disorders

There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder. Each type has different symptoms.

Bipolar I Disorder is characterised by manic episodes that last for at least a week and can be so severe that the person may need to be hospitalised. Bipolar I may also include depressive episodes in some cases. Moreover, it’s also possible to have mixed episodes that include symptoms of mania and depression at the same time.

Bipolar II Disorder is characterised by alternating depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. In bipolar II disorder, the "up" moods never reach full-blown mania. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. A vast majority of people with bipolar II disorder experience more depressive episodes than hypomanic ones.

Cyclothymic Disorder is characterised by a mix of hypomanic and depressive episodes, but neither is severe enough to meet the criteria for bipolar I or II disorder.

It's important to remember that people with bipolar disorder can have periods where their symptoms are milder or even go away altogether. This doesn't mean that their condition has gone away - it's just in remission. Remission means the absence or minimal symptoms of both mania and depression for at least 1 week. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose. This is because the symptoms can vary from person to person and can also be mistaken for other conditions, such as depression or ADHD. 

It's important to note that not everyone who has bipolar disorder experiences all of these symptoms. A person with bipolar disorder may have distinct manic or depressed states but they may also go through extended periods, sometimes years, without symptoms.

Here are a few symptoms of mania:

• Unusually upbeat mood
• Bouts of irritability
• Speed talking - have an extreme need to share thoughts, ideas, or comments. The speech will come out rapidly, and it doesn't stop at appropriate intervals.
• A lot of energy
• Impulsive and risky behaviour
• Decreased need for sleep
• An inflated sense of self-worth

Similarly, here are a few symptoms of depression:

• Persistent sadness and listlessness
• Low energy and fatigue
• Losing motivation for daily tasks
• Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Low self-esteem 
• Changes in sleep patterns (either sleeping a lot or very little)

To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania. Psychiatrists and therapists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or ICD to diagnose the kind of bipolar disorder a person may be experiencing. To do so, your mental healthcare professional will assess the pattern of symptoms, your family history, and your social habits (such as recreational drug and alcohol use) and may also ask you to go through a complete physical assessment to rule out other physiological ailments. 

If you think that someone you know may be suffering from bipolar disorder, it's important to seek professional help.

Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the treatment for bipolar disorder will vary from person to person. However, there are some treatments that are commonly used to help manage bipolar disorder.

Some people with bipolar disorder may be prescribed medication, such as mood stabilisers or antipsychotics, to help control their mood swings. Others may benefit from therapy, either individual or group, to help them learn how to better manage their condition. Talk Therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help a person with bipolar disorder, as it can make them more aware of the behaviours/actions that could negatively affect their treatment, such as substance use. CBT can also help a person with bipolar disorder learn skills to cope with difficult situations in general. Some people also find self-management techniques helpful, such as journalling, exercise or meditation.

Can a Person Become Bipolar Temporarily?

While bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you may experience highs and lows temporarily. This may be due to a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one, or to another medical condition that's causing extreme stress However, most psychiatrists and mental health experts agree that bipolar disorder is traditionally a lifetime diagnosis, and it can be triggered at any point in life, with or without a trigger. If you're worried that someone you know may be experiencing a bout of bipolar disorder, here are some symptoms to look out for:

- Mood swings that are more extreme than usual

- Racing thoughts and difficulty focusing

- Feeling unusually energetic or agitated

- Excessive spending, alcohol or drug abuse, or risky behaviour

- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping

- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

Conclusion

If you think someone you know may have bipolar disorder, the best thing to do is to talk to them about it. The most important thing to do if you notice any signs of bipolar disorder in a loved one is to encourage them to seek treatment. Pick a time to bring up your concerns. Try to avoid judgement by implying that their moods are their fault. Instead, emphasise that you love them and think it might be wise for them to approach a mental health expert and seek help.

Bipolar disorder can be a lifelong condition, but it can be managed successfully. With the right support, people with bipolar disorder can lead full, productive lives.