Normal feelings vs. What is bipolar disorder?
bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder in which It’s normal to experience a range people have times of low of emotions and feelings in your life. mood (major depression) and The experience How you feel is affected by the things going times of ‘high’ or elevated of bipolar disorder is on around you, your friends or family, stressful mood (mania or hypomania). different for everyone. Some events, or sometimes by nothing at all. Ups These episodes (changes) people have only one or two and downs or changes in mood are normal and usually last at least a week and episodes and then never have generally don’t cause too many problems. affect the way a person thinks, another one, while others have feels and acts. The symptoms several episodes close together. If you have mood changes that are can interfere with relationships, Some people have years more severe than normal, last more activities and day-to-day living. without symptoms between than a few days, or lead to changes Most people who develop episodes of becoming unwell. in your behaviour then it’s important bipolar disorder will have Often a depressive episode to talk to someone and get help. experienced some symptoms (or episodes) occurs before a by the age of 25. manic episode is experienced.
What is a manic episode? A manic episode is a period of constant and unusually elevated (‘high’) or irritable mood What is a and a noticeable increase in energy or activity. This generally lasts at least one week and leads ? to a range of difficulties in a person’s daily life. hypomanic When someone is having a manic episode they may experience a combination of: episode Elevated mood – feeling euphoric, Being disinhibited – engaging in ‘high’ or ‘on top of the world’, high-risk behaviours that are out of A hypomanic episode is a or very irritable character and potentially harmful, milder form of mania that including sexual risk-taking, driving lasts for at least four days. Less need for sleep – sleeping very too fast, abusing alcohol or other The symptoms are less severe little without feeling tired drugs, or spending large amounts and there are no psychotic of money symptoms. Hypomanic episodes may be enjoyable Inflated self-esteem – ranging More energy, activity and drive – as the person can experience from uncritical self-confidence to having lots of projects or plans, walking more confidence and an grandiose beliefs (e.g. believing long distances, being always ‘on the go’ elevated mood. Some people they have special powers or talents) will manage to keep functioning Racing thoughts and rapid Psychotic symptoms – not being without any significant difficulties speech – thoughts jumping around in touch with reality and having but others will progress to from topic to topic, speech that is hallucinations, delusional ideas, or experience a full manic episode. difficult for others to follow disorganised thinking and speech Even if hypomanic symptoms are not distressing it is important Whether these experiences are pleasant or frightening some people may be reluctant to get help. to let a mental health professional They may not believe that they are unwell or that they need treatment. They may also be feeling very know about them. suspicious and/or confused, making it hard for them to trust others.
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health under the Youth Mental Health Initiative. Bipolar disorder
What is a Types of bipolar disorder There are two main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I (‘bipolar one’) and bipolar II (‘bipolar two’). depressive An additional form of bipolar disorder is cyclothymia, which is a milder version of the disorder. episode? BIPOLAR I BIPOLAR II CYCLOTHYMIA A person with bipolar I A person with bipolar II A person with cyclothymia A depressive episode is a disorder will have had at disorder will have had at least (or cyclothymic disorder) period of lowered mood, least one episode of mania. one episode of hypomania experiences changes in mood with changes in thinking and Usually the mania is so severe (the less severe form of that are less severe than behaviour that lasts for at that they will need admission mania) as well as an episode those in bipolar I or II. Even least two weeks. to hospital to keep them of depression. Depressive though the symptoms may Typical symptoms of safe. They will usually have episodes can be severe and the be less severe, it can have depression include: experienced depression at uncertain mood that individuals a significant impact on an some time as well. experience can have a major individual’s functioning. Feeling low in mood – effect on their lives. sadness, irritability, tearfulness Losing interest in enjoyable Getting help for bipolar disorder activities Where to get help A proper diagnosis from a feelings, and develop a plan Changes in appetite and health professional, a local to avoid becoming unwell in GP’s and mental health weight – eating more or less general practitioner (GP) or a the future. These strategies professionals can give you than usual, gaining or losing psychiatrist is important for usually include: helpful information about your weight rapidly you to get the right treatment. • Having regular patterns mental health and arrange the Changes in sleeping Getting professional treatment of sleeping and eating treatment you need. To find patterns – trouble falling or when problems begin helps to • Looking after your overall a health professional that you staying asleep, or sleeping limit the impact of bipolar on health; getting regular trust and feel comfortable with much more than usual the things you want to do in exercise and eating contact your local community your life, like finishing school, healthy food health centre or headspace Lowered energy and lack moving out of home, and • Learning to manage stress centre, or perhaps ask a trusted of motivation getting a job. Treatment can • Avoiding alcohol and friend, teacher or family member Feelings of hopelessness also reduce the risk that you other drugs about where to find help. will have problems with your and worthlessness • Keeping in contact with Remember that it can take time mood in the future. friends and supportive Poor concentration and to find the right treatment as people in your life memory problems Treatment usually involves a every person is different and combination of medication • Getting a good balance responds in different ways. Thoughts about suicide and psychological therapies. of rest and activities Be patient and make sure you Your GP or psychiatrist • Learning to recognise talk to your health professional can help you to find a ‘warning signs’ that you about how things are going so medication that works for may be becoming unwell that they can support you in the you. Psychological therapies best possible way. can help you to understand your mood patterns, manage negative thoughts and !
For more information, to find your nearest headspace centre or for online and telephone support, visit headspace.org.au
Clinical definitions are in line with the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), American Psychiatric Association 2013. Fact sheets are for general information only. They are not intended to be and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific medical or health advice. While every effort is taken to ensure the information is accurate, headspace makes no representations and gives no warranties that this information is correct, current, complete, reliable or suitable for any purpose. We disclaim all responsibility and liability for any direct or indirect loss, damage, cost or expense whatsoever in the use of or reliance upon this information.