The two extremes are characterised as follows:
Both extremes of bipolar disorder have other symptoms associated with them (see symptoms section). Unlike simple mood swings, each extreme episode can last for several weeks or longer. The high and low phases of the illness can be so extreme that they interfere with your daily life.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not fully understood, but the condition seems to run in families. It is a relatively common condition, with around 1 person in 100 being diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. It can occur at any age, but often develops between the ages of 18 and 24. Both men and women, and people from all backgrounds, can get it.
The pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder varies widely between individuals. Some people have only a couple of bipolar episodes in their lifetime and are stable in between, while others may experience many episodes.
The depression phase often comes first. Initially, you may be diagnosed with clinical depression, and then have a manic episode some time later (sometimes years later), after which your diagnosis might change. During a phase of depression, you may have overwhelming feelings of worthlessness which often lead to thoughts of suicide.
During a manic phase, you may feel extremely happy and have lots of ambitious plans and ideas. You may also spend large amounts of money on things that you cannot afford. Not feeling like eating or sleeping, talking quickly, and becoming annoyed easily, are also quite common. You may be very creative, and feel that mania is an extremely positive experience. However, during a manic phase, you may also have symptoms of psychosis, where you see or hear things that are not there.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. However, it is thought that a complex mix of physical, environmental, and social factors are involved. Bipolar disorder seems to run in families with around 1015% of the nearest relatives of people with the disorder, also having the condition.
Although bipolar disorder is not caused by stress, stressful situations can trigger episodes of mania or depression in those with the condition. For example, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, the breakdown of a relationship, or the loss of a loved one. These kinds of events can cause of episodes of depression throughout a persons life. Also, physical illness can sometimes bring on periods of depression.
Bipolar disorder may also be triggered by overwhelming problems in everyday life, such as problems to do with money, work, and relationships.
Research has found that there are changes to the brains chemistry during phases of mania and depression. Hormone levels and chemicals that transmit signals within the brain (neurotransmitters) are affected. Understanding how this works can be useful in finding ways of treating and managing the condition.
If your GP suspects that you have bipolar disorder, you will normally be referred to a specialist. This will often be a psychiatrist. If your GP thinks that, due to your illness, there is a risk that you could harm yourself, or others, s/he will arrange an appointment straight away.
The specialist will carry out an assessment which will involve asking you a number of questions to determine whether or not you have bipolar disorder, and what treatments will be most suitable for you.
You will be asked about the symptoms that you have had, and when you first experienced them. The specialist will also ask you about how you usually feel leading up to, and during, an episode of mania or depression, and whether you have had thoughts about harming either yourself or others.
S/he will also want to know about your background and family history to see if any of your relatives have had the condition. If someone else in your family has bipolar disorder, the specialist may wish to talk to them, but will ask for your agreement before doing so.
It is extremely important for you to discuss your condition with the specialist, so that you are fully involved in the decisions about your care. However, in some cases, if your symptoms are very severe, you may be unable to make an informed decision or communicate your needs. In case this situation arises, you can produce a set of written instructions, stating what treatments and help you want or do not want. Your GP or specialist will be able to help and advise you about this.
Depending on your symptoms, you may also have tests to see whether you have a physical problem such as thyroid disease. If you have bipolar disorder, you should visit your GP on a regular basis to have a physical health check. You may have other health problems, and the medication that is used to treat the condition can have side effects. For example, putting on weight is common.
There are a number of drug treatments available that can help to stabilise mood swings. These include:
If, for any reason, your GP or specialist advises you to stop taking medication for bipolar disorder, the dose should be gradually reduced over a minimum of four weeks, and up to three months, if you are taking an antipsychotic or lithium. If, for any reason, you have to stop taking lithium, you should see your GP about taking an antipsychotic or valproate instead.
If you have rapid cycling (quickly changing from highs to lows without a normal period in between), you may be prescribed a combination of lithium and valproate. If this does not help, you may be offered lithium on its own, or lithium, valproate, and lamotrigine. However, you will not usually be prescribed an antidepressant unless an expert in bipolar disorder has specifically recommended it.
Treating depression
If you are already taking medication for bipolar disorder, and you develop depression, your GP should check that you are taking the right dose and change it if necessary. Episodes of depression in bipolar disorder can be treated in a similar way to clinical depression. This includes the use of antidepressant medications.
Antidepressants are effective in about 70% of cases. However, it can take time (2-4 weeks) for them to take affect, so if you are prescribed a course of antidepressants, you need to be patient and persevere with them. There are several different types of antidepressants, and some have possible side effects. Some common antidepressants include:
If you have bipolar disorder, it is possible to learn to recognise the warning signs of an approaching episode of mania or depression. This will not prevent the episode occurring, but will enable you to get help in time. This might mean making some changes to your treatment, perhaps adding an antidepressant or an antipsychotic medicine to the mood stabilising medication that you are already taking. Your GP or specialist will be able to advise you about this.
You should be able to receive the majority of your treatment without having to stay in hospital. However, if your symptoms are very severe, or you are being treated under the Mental Health Act because there is a danger that you will harm either yourself, or others, you can be admitted to hospital. As an alternative, it may be possible for you to receive treatment in a day hospital and return home at night.
You may also be offered psychological treatment that will help you to deal with your depression, your symptoms, and provide advice about how you can improve your relationships. For example, advice may include, taking regular exercise, and planning activities that you enjoy, and that give you a sense of achievement. You may also receive advice about your diet and how to ensure that you sleep well.
The development of new, better mood stabilising medicines is ongoing. There are also a number of other treatments currently being researched, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation.