Understanding Bipolar Disorder: When Mood Swings Are More Than Normal Ups and Downs

Everyone has mood changes, ebbing and flowing with the natural rhythm of life. However, profound, prolonged mood swings may indicate bipolar disorder, a serious brain illness sometimes called manic-depressive illness or manic depression.

People with bipolar disorder fluctuate between extremely energetic, happy times called manic episodes, and very sad, low energy times called depressive episodes. These dramatic mood swings are often accompanied by changes in sleep patterns, energy level fluctuations, and a compromised ability to think clearly. These symptoms can make it difficult to hold a job, attend school or even maintain social relationships. In some cases, people with bipolar disorder can become suicidal.Bipolar disorder can manifest as early as childhood, but most often symptoms develop in the late teens or early adult years. While bipolar disorder is a serious, most often lifelong condition, most patients are able to live productive lives with proper treatment.What Are The Symptoms?

Mood episodes may be extremely manic, excessively depressive, or a mixture of both manic and depressive symptoms. Episodes usually last a week or two, although some last longer, and the symptoms are often intense throughout the period of time.

Symptoms of manic episodes include

• :Feeling very “up” or “high”

• Feeling “jumpy” or “wired”

• Having trouble sleeping

• Becoming more active than usual

• Talking really fast and jumping topics

• Being agitated or irritable• Having racing thoughts

• Feeling like you’re capable of doing a lot of things at once

• Doing risky things, like spending money excessively or having reckless sex

Symptoms of depressive episodes include:

• Feeling very “down” or sad

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Loss of joy in nearly everything

• Feeling worried and empty

• Having trouble concentrating

• Forgetting often

• Eating too much or too little

• Feeling tired

• Thinking about death or suicide

Treatment for bipolar disorder works best when it is continuous, as stopping and starting is not only less effective, it can be dangerous.

Treatment options include:

• Medications

• Therapy

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can seem like different problems. If you are having intense mood swings, or if you observe them in others, it is wise to make an appointment with a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who is qualified to properly assess and diagnose mental health conditions.

Contact Wilmington Psychotherapy today to schedule an appointment.

Click here for more information on depression treatment.