Prevalence Of Bipolar Disorder Among Adults
- Based on diagnostic interview data from National Comorbidity Survey Replication , Figure 1 shows past year prevalence of bipolar disorder among U.S. adults aged 18 or older.1
- An estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults had bipolar disorder in the past year.
- Past year prevalence of bipolar disorder among adults was similar for males and females .
Figure 1
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How Does It Affect People
Bipolar disorder affects both men and women. For many people, the first symptoms show up in their early twenties. However, research has shown that the first episode of bipolar disorder is occurring earlier: It often shows up in adolescence, and even children can have the disorder.
Recent research suggests that kids and teens with bipolar disorder don’t always have the same behavioral patterns that adults with bipolar disorder do. For example, kids who have bipolar disorder may experience particularly rapid mood changes and may have some of the other mood-related symptoms listed below, such as irritability and high levels of anxiety. But they may not show other symptoms that are more commonly seen in adults.
Because brain function is involved, the ways people with bipolar disorder think, act, and feel are all affected. This can make it especially difficult for other people to understand their condition. It can be incredibly frustrating if other people act as though someone with bipolar disorder should just “snap out of it,” as if a person who is sick can become well simply by wanting to.
Bipolar disorder isn’t a sign of weakness or a character flaw it’s a serious medical condition that requires treatment, just like any other condition.
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What Is The Main Cause Of Bipolar Disorder
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Keeping this in view, what does it mean when someone says you are bipolar?
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Can you be cured of bipolar disorder?
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What is the definition of being bipolar?
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What Are The Treatments For Bipolar Ii Disorder
Hypomania often masquerades as happiness and relentless optimism. When hypomania is not causing unhealthy behavior, it often may go unnoticed and therefore remain untreated. This is in contrast to full mania, which by definition causes problems in functioning and requires treatment with medications and possibly hospitalizations.
People with bipolar II disorder can benefit from preventive drugs that level out moods over the long term. These prevent the negative consequences of hypomania, and also help to prevent episodes of depression.
Mood Stabilizers
Lithium: This simple metal in pill form is highly effective at controlling mood swings in bipolar disorder. Lithium has been used for more than 60 years to treat bipolar disorder. Lithium can take weeks to work fully, making it better for long-term treatment than for acute hypomanic episodes. Blood levels of lithium and other laboratory tests must be monitored periodically to avoid side effects.
Carbamazepine : This antiseizure drug has been used to treat mania since the 1970s. Its possible value for treating bipolar depression, or preventing future highs and lows, is less well-established. Blood tests to monitor liver functioning and white blood cell counts also are periodically necessary.
Valproate : This antiseizure drug also works to level out moods. It has a more rapid onset of action than lithium, and it can also be used off label for prevention of highs and lows.
Antipsychotics
What Is A Person With Bipolar Like
A person with bipolar disorder is someone who experiences very extreme mood swings every day. The disorder is also known as manic depression because of the two extremes possible. The person may be very depressed, feeling sad and miserable. These feelings can be so bad that they become suicidal. Then, just as suddenly, the person switches to being manic, feeling very happy, energetic, and confident. These manic states can create problems of their own, such as repeated spending sprees, hyperactivity, and lack of sleep..
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What Are The Symptoms Of Bipolar I Disorder
During a manic episode in someone with bipolar disorder, elevated mood can manifest itself as either euphoria or as irritability.
Abnormal behavior during manic episodes includes:
- Flying suddenly from one idea to the next
- Rapid, pressured , and loud speech
- Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep
- Inflated self-image
- Substance abuse
People in manic episodes may spend money far beyond their means, have sex with people they wouldnt otherwise, or pursue grandiose, unrealistic plans. In severe manic episodes, a person loses touch with reality. They may become delusional and behave bizarrely.
Untreated, an episode of mania can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Most commonly, symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months. Depression may follow shortly after, or not appear for weeks or months.
Many people with bipolar I disorder experience long periods without symptoms in between episodes. A minority has rapid-cycling symptoms of mania and depression, in which they may have distinct periods of mania or depression four or more times within a year. People can also have mood episodes with mixed features, in which manic and depressive symptoms occur simultaneously, or may alternate from one pole to the other within the same day.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bipolar Ii Disorder
During a hypomanic episode, elevated mood can manifest itself as either euphoria or as irritability.
Symptoms during hypomanic episodes include:
- Flying suddenly from one idea to the next
- Having exaggerated self confidence
- Rapid, pressured and loud speech
- Increased energy, with hyperactivity and a decreased need for sleep
People experiencing hypomanic episodes are often quite pleasant to be around. They can often seem like the life of the party making jokes, taking an intense interest in other people and activities, and infecting others with their positive mood.
Whats so bad about that, you might ask? Hypomania can also lead to erratic and unhealthy behavior. Hypomanic episodes can sometimes progress onward to full manias that affect a persons ability to function . In mania, people might spend money they dont have, seek out sex with people they normally wouldnt, and engage in other impulsive or risky behaviors with the potential for dangerous consequences.
The vast majority of people with bipolar II disorder experience more time with depressive than hypomanic symptoms. Depressions can occur soon after hypomania subsides, or much later. Some people cycle back and forth between hypomania and depression, while others have long periods of normal mood in between episodes.
Untreated, an episode of hypomania can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Most commonly, symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months.
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What Are The Treatments For Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can be treated. It’s a long-term condition that needs ongoing care. People who have four or more mood episodes in a year, or who also have drug or alcohol problems, can have forms of the illness that are much harder to treat.
Treatment can make a huge difference. With a combination of things — good medical care, medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and the support of friends and family — you can feel better. Bipolar disorder — or manic depression, as it is also still sometimes called — has no known cure. It is a chronic health condition that requires lifetime management. Plenty of people with this condition do well they have families and jobs and live normal lives.
Medication
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Antidepressant-antipsychotic drugs, a combination of an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer
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Anti-anxiety medications or sleep medicines, such as sedatives like benzodiazepines
It can take a while to find the right combination for you. You may need to try a few things before you and your doctor figure out what works best. Once you do, itâs important to stay on your medication and talk with your doctor before stopping or changing anything.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctors about medications that are safe to take.
Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is often recommended, too. There are several different types. Options can include:
Other treatment options for bipolar disorder can include:
Lifestyle changes may also help:
The Keys To Bipolar Disorder Self
Get educated. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know, the better youll be at assisting your own recovery.
Get moving. Exercise has a beneficial impact on mood and may reduce the number of bipolar episodes you experience. Aerobic exercise that activates arm and leg movement such as running, walking, swimming, dancing, climbing or drumming may be especially beneficial to your brain and nervous system.
Keep stress in check. Avoid high-stress situations, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Seek support. Its important to have people you can turn to for help and encouragement. Try joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it wont mean youre a burden to others. In fact, most friends will be flattered that you trust them enough to confide in them, and it will only strengthen your relationship.
Stay closely connected to friends and family. Nothing is as calming to the nervous system as face-to-face contact with caring supportive people who can just listen to you talk about what youre experiencing.
Make healthy choices. Healthy sleeping and eating habits can help stabilize your moods. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is particularly important.
Monitor your moods. Keep track of your symptoms and watch for signs that your moods are swinging out of control so you can stop the problem before it starts.
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Bipolar Disorder In Young Adults
The transition to adulthood is challenging. Young adults typically experience many changes such as moving out on their own, finding their first job, and building relationships with significant others. For those living with a mood disorder, this time of life can be particularly difficult. DBSA has specialized resources to help support young adults through these challenges as well as help them connect to other young adults.
What Is The Definition Of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a condition in which a person experiences extreme mood swings that go from one extreme to another: from the deepest depths of depression to the highest highs of mania. The symptoms of bipolar disorder fall into four categories: depressive episodes, manic episodes, mixed episodes and hypomanic episodes..
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Prevalence Of Bipolar Disorder Among Adolescents
- Based on diagnostic interview data from National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement , Figure 3 shows lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder among U.S. adolescents aged 13-18.4
- An estimated 2.9% of adolescents had bipolar disorder, and 2.6% had severe impairment. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria were used to determine impairment.
- The prevalence of bipolar disorder among adolescents was higher for females than for males .
Figure 3
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What Are 5 Signs Of Bipolar
There are five main signs which separate a person with bipolar disorder from a person without. A person with bipolar disorder may have one or more of these: * Depression * Mania * Psychosis * Anxiety * Impulses of suicide or violence * Mania brought on by alcohol or drug use * A family history of bipolar disorder * High levels of creativity * Paranoid delusions * Psychotic depression * Rapid cycling, which is going from one extreme to the other in a short amount of time * Anxiety disorders * Bipolar disorder can appear with other mental disorders, such as depression, eating disorders, anxiety, or panic disorders..
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What Can I Expect After Treatment
For most people, a good treatment program can stabilize severe moods and provide effective symptom relief. Treatment that is continual has proven more effective in preventing relapses. Those who also have a substance abuse problem may need more specialized treatment.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/27/2018.
References
Mental Health Treatment Locator
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides this online resource for locating mental health treatment facilities and programs. The Mental Health Treatment Locator section of the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator lists facilities providing mental health services to persons with mental illness. Find a facility in your state at . For additional resources, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.
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What Are Bipolar Disorder Risk Factors
When someone develops bipolar disorder, it usually starts when they’re in late adolescence or young adulthood. Rarely, it can happen earlier in childhood. Bipolar disorder can run in families.
Men and women are equally likely to get it. Women are somewhat more likely than men to go through “rapid cycling,” which is having four or more distinct mood episodes within a year. Women also tend to spend more time depressed than men with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder usually develops later in life for women, and theyâre more likely to have bipolar disorder II and be affected by seasonal mood changes.
A combination of medical and mental issues is also more common in women. Those medical issues can include thyroid disease, migraine, and anxiety disorders.
Some things that make you more likely to have bipolar disorder include:
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Having a family member with bipolar disorder
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Going through a time of high stress or trauma
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Drug or alcohol abuse
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Certain health conditions
Many people with the condition abuse alcohol or other drugs when manic or depressed. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have seasonal depression, co-existing anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Bipolar Disorder In Older Adults
It is uncommon for bipolar disorder to appear for the first time in late life, but some people may have symptoms throughout adulthood and not be diagnosed until later in life. For older adults, it is important to have a complete medical examination, and to discuss all mental health history, family history, and current medications with health care providers. Other illnesses and the medications that treat them may trigger or mimic bipolar disorder symptoms. Older adults may tolerate or metabolize medications at different speeds than younger adults, so they may need different dosages. Talk therapy, group therapy and peer support, including DBSA support groups, can be valuable additions to older adults treatment.
Older adults are also encouraged to start support groups for older adults that meet earlier in the day, are accessible to people with disabilities, are closer to peoples homes or meet other special needs.
Find a Local Support Group Find an Online Support Group Get Wellness Resources
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What Are The Types Of Bipolar Disorder
There are three main types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes that last at least 7 days or manic symptoms so severe that you need immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes are also common. Those often last at least two weeks. This type of bipolar disorder can also involve mixed episodes.
- Bipolar II disorder involves depressive episodes. But instead of full-blown manic episodes, there are episodes of hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe version of mania.
- Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, also involves hypomanic and depressive symptoms. But they are not as intense or as long-lasting as hypomanic or depressive episodes. The symptoms usually last for at least two years in adults and for one year in children and teenagers.
With any of these types, having four or more episodes of mania or depression in a year is called “rapid cycling.”
Signs And Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime.
There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms.
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Are You Born With Bipolar
The answer is both yes and no. The results of genetic research has shown that while some people are born with a predisposition to bipolar disorder, environmental factors can trigger the onset of bipolar symptoms in genetically susceptible individuals. Genetic research also points to the fact that both environmental and genetic factors play a role in the severity of bipolar symptoms..
When Does Bipolar Show Up
Bipolar disorder usually appears in the early 20s. Oftentimes the first signs of bipolar disorder show up in childhood or adolescence, but bipolar disorder can also appear during early adulthood. If you are seeing the first signs of bipolar disorder in a loved one, you should definitely encourage them to see a doctor right away..
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What Are The Approaches To Recovery
There is no cure for manic depression at present, but many people have benefited from the use of monitored medication programs it is sometimes possible to smooth out and reduce the frequency of the highs and lows, and in some cases the episodes may be altogether prevented. Whatever the recommended treatment, it is important to be informed. If you are not certain about treatment, ask questions.There may be things that you can do to help yourself or your loved one recover from depression. Some approaches that may be helpful include:
- Exploring counselling, therapy, or self-help groups
- Exploring Alternative Therapies
- Maintaining a health lifestyle
- Support from people who are understanding
Taking the opportunity to put feelings into words can be helpful. Listening and understanding can bring tremendous comfort to someone with depression.