Bipolar disorders are brain-based conditions that cause intense shifts in mood, energy, and daily functioning. People with bipolar disorder experience emotional episodes that can last from several days to weeks. These episodes are classified as:
Manic or hypomanic episodes – unusually elevated or irritable mood
Depressive episodes – persistent sadness or low mood
Between these episodes, individuals often return to a stable, neutral mood. With the right medical care, people with bipolar disorder can live healthy, productive lives.
Everyone experiences mood changes, but in people without bipolar disorder, these fluctuations are mild, short-lived, and do not disrupt daily routines. In contrast, bipolar mood episodes can impact relationships, work, and school life.
Bipolar disorder includes three main types:
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar II disorder
Cyclothymic disorder
Genetics play a major role—nearly 80–90% of people with bipolar disorder have a family history of bipolar disorder or depression. Stress, sleep disturbances, and substance use can trigger episodes. Although the exact cause is unclear, an imbalance in brain chemicals is believed to contribute. The condition typically begins around age 25.
People with bipolar I disorder may also experience anxiety disorders, ADHD, or substance use disorders. The risk of suicide is higher compared to the general population.
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is diagnosed when a person has experienced at least one manic episode. They may also experience hypomanic or depressive episodes, as well as periods of normal mood.
Symptoms of Bipolar I Disorder
Manic Episode
A manic episode lasts at least one week and includes extremely high energy or irritability along with at least three of the following:
Reduced need for sleep
Rapid or excessive speech
Racing thoughts
Increased distractibility
High activity levels or multitasking
Risky behaviour (e.g., overspending, reckless driving)
These changes must be noticeable to others and severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Hospitalization is sometimes required to ensure safety.
Some individuals may also experience psychotic features, such as hallucinations or false beliefs.
Hypomanic Episode
Hypomania involves similar symptoms but is less severe and lasts at least four days. It typically doesn’t cause major disruption in daily functioning.
Major Depressive Episode
A major depressive episode lasts at least two weeks and includes five or more symptoms, such as:
Persistent sadness
Loss of interest in activities
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Fatigue
Sleep or appetite changes
Restlessness or slowed movement
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of death or suicide
Treatment and Management
Bipolar disorder often improves significantly with proper treatment. The primary approach is medication, especially mood stabilizers like lithium, which help balance brain activity. Because bipolar disorder is long-term, ongoing treatment is essential.
Psychotherapy helps people understand their condition, manage symptoms, and stay consistent with medications.
If medication and therapy do not work, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be considered. ECT uses controlled electrical stimulation to reset brain signalling.
Family members may also benefit from support groups and mental health resources. These tools help families cope, communicate better, and stay involved in treatment.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II disorder involves at least:
One hypomanic episode
One major depressive episode
People usually return to their regular functioning between episodes. Many seek help during depressive episodes because hypomania may feel enjoyable or may even boost productivity.
Co-existing conditions like anxiety or substance use are common and can intensify symptoms.
Treatment for Bipolar II
Treatment for bipolar II is similar to bipolar I and includes mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and psychotherapy. If depressive symptoms remain severe despite medication, ECT may be used. Treatment plans are personalized based on individual needs.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic disorder is a milder, long-term form of bipolar disorder marked by frequent mood swings. Symptoms are less intense than those seen in bipolar I and II but occur more consistently.
Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder
At least two years of repeated hypomanic and depressive symptoms
Symptoms present for at least half of the time
No symptom-free period longer than two months
Treatment for Cyclothymia
Treatment may include medication and talk therapy. Many individuals benefit from therapy to manage stress and understand mood patterns. Keeping a mood journal is often helpful in identifying triggers. Treatment may start and stop depending on symptom severity.
Get Expert Support at Dr. Vatsal Suchak’s Clinic
Bipolar disorders can be challenging, but with the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and ongoing support, individuals can regain control and live fulfilling lives. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional is the first step.
Dr. Vatsal Suchak offers compassionate, evidence-based care for bipolar disorders and other mental health conditions. With personalized treatment plans and a supportive approach, his clinic helps patients achieve long-term stability and emotional well-being.
FAQs
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes intense shifts in mood, energy, and behaviour. These shifts include manic/hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes.
Bipolar I involves at least one manic episode, while Bipolar II includes hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes but no full manic episodes.
It often runs in families and may be linked to brain chemistry imbalances. Stress, irregular sleep, and substance use can trigger episodes.
Medication is usually the foundation of treatment. Therapy and lifestyle changes help, but stopping medication without medical guidance is not recommended.