Shining A Light on Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where the individual may feel highs of mania and the lows of depression. Mania includes feelings of irritability, anger, creativity, maybe even depression. These feelings may or may not include euphoria. Hypomania is another form of mania that can be a part of Bipolar disorder. Hypomania is a milder version of a manic episode. 

Bipolar disorder consists of two different types, Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 consists of at least one manic episode, and potentially a major depressive episode. The manic episode may often need hospital care. Bipolar 2 includes a less severe hypomanic episode, along with a depressive episode. Both often include the depressive episode, along with a heightened mood and a period of symptom free time. Causes of bipolar disorder can be both genetic and environmental. It has been seen to run in families but there has not been a specific gene found to be associated with the disorder. There is also a 4x more likely change of developing the disorder after a traumatic brain injury. 

Bipolar disorder is a disorder where there are many misconceptions around it. 3% of Americans, men and women equally, are affected by Bipolar disorder so I believe it is important to have a proper understanding around it to avoid false stigmas and false information. Many people feel that Bipolar disorder is just extreme moodiness. They feel that there are many changes in mood with this disorder. With this disorder, frequent changes are only 4x a year. These episodes can include manic and depressive episodes, or just manic/hypomanic episodes. It is important to not associate this disorder with extreme mood swings, because that can lead to inaccurate stigmas on the disorder and can affect those that have the diagnosis. Many also believe that bipolar disorder includes sparks of creativity. Manic episodes often do include more thoughts and ideas than normal but these thoughts tend to lack the clear pattern needed for creativity.