Neurodiversity Spotlight: Bipolar Disorder
By: Project Illuminate Initiative
Tags: Neuroscience, Bipolar, Education, Health, Neurodiversity

Overview:

Also known as manic depression or manic-depressive illness, Bipolar Disorder is a condition that can be categorized into three types: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, and Cyclothymic Disorder. While all forms are characterized by the same changes in behavior, each is differentiated by specific traits. An individual’s mood can range from extremely happy to extremely sad with the former called manic episodes and the latter known as depressive episodes. Genetics and brain structure or functioning are potential risk factors for Bipolar Disorder, however much is still unknown and researchers are not able to attribute Bipolar Disorder to a singular cause yet. Nevertheless, some studies indicate that a difference in brain functioning may contribute to symptoms of Bipolar Disorder while others point to genetic causes that can be observed through the family history.

Diagnosis and Symptoms:

Bipolar disorder is commonly diagnosed in adolescence, during pregnancy, or after childbirth following a physical exam, psychiatric assessment, and mood charting. The results are then compared to the DSM-5 published by the American Psychiatric Association. Bipolar Disorder in children can be partnered with other conditions such as ADHD, making diagnosis more complicated.

Bipolar I Disorder, a more severe form of Bipolar Disorder, is coupled with long stages of manic episodes that last at least seven days, typically requiring immediate intervention by a healthcare provider or hospitalization. Individuals with Bipolar I Disorder can also experience long depressive episodes, which may occur simultaneously with the manic episodes.

Unlike Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II disorder is not defined by manic episodes but can cause more long term depressive episodes that have two year long symptoms.

Cyclothymic Disorder is a less severe form of Bipolar Disorder and while the symptoms can last for as long as two years, the hypomanic and depressive symptoms in children usually do not meet the diagnostic requirements. Additionally, Bipolar Disorder that is not specified can fit individuals who do not meet the criteria for diagnosis of the previous conditions, yet face symptoms and periods that are significantly different from a normal state.

Some symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can include periods of intense emotion, behavior changes, and fluctuations in sleep, among others. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “These distinct periods are called ‘mood episodes.’ Mood episodes are very different from the moods and behaviors that are typical for the person. During an episode, the symptoms last every day for most of the day. Episodes may also last for longer periods, such as several days or weeks.” Specific symptoms that characterize a manic episode may be talking quickly, having a low appetite, feeling elated or irritable, and making risky decisions. On the other hand, individuals having a depressive episode may experience feeling sad or worried, sleeping too much, weight gain, slow talking, and trouble with concentration. Episodes with “mixed features,” or those where manic and depressive symptoms occur conjointly, are also common. In these instances, an individual may feel energized while also feeling hopeless, expresses the NIMH.

Bipolar Disorder can be diagnosed after an individual completes a physical exam and possible mental health evaluation given by a healthcare provider. Some factors taken into account are symptoms, history, and experiences. Overall, diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder can lead to effective treatments being recommended, allowing individuals to lead healthy and happy lives.

Treatment:

All forms of Bipolar Disorder require lifelong treatment medications to balance one’s mood, day treatment programs, possible substance abuse treatment, and hospitalization if an individual is behaving dangerously. A few other forms of treatment may be psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, self-management strategies through education, and healthy approaches, as recommended by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Skipping treatment can experience relapse that may result in mania or depression.