Though children and adults can have this disorder, it is more likely to find bipolar disorder in late teens and early adults, especially if the disorder runs in one’s family. This disorder usually lasts a lifetime. Because of this, it is essential to notice the signs of bipolar disorder and develop a treatment plan in order to cope with symptoms. 

Defining Bipolar Disorder

There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Those with bipolar disorder experience mood swings – known as manic and depressive episodes – that change behavior, energy levels, and activity levels. While symptoms of each type of bipolar disorder are similar, those with bipolar II disorder and cyclothymic disorder experience less-intense symptoms of mania, known as hypomanic episodes.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder involves at least seven-day-long manic episodes followed by two weeks of depression. Mixed episodes, when depression and mania overlap during the same time, can also occur. In bipolar I disorder, episodes of mania can often lead to hospitalization depending on how severe the level of mania is. 

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder mainly involves depressive episodes followed by hypomania. Hypomania is a less severe version of mania present in bipolar I disorder.

Cyclothymic Disorder

The third type of bipolar disorder is cyclothymic disorder, involving hypomania and depressive symptoms. However, these symptoms are not drastic enough to be considered manic and depressive “episodes.”

Being Aware of the Signs

Though bipolar disorder is associated with mood swings, there are separate and corresponding symptoms or signs for both manic and depressive episodes. Some signs associated with mania are irritability, wavering sleep habits, quick speech or movements (often jumpiness), and an over-inflated sense of self. 

When this period of mania subsides, followed by a depressive episode, behaviors alter and may include an increase in anxiety or sadness, trouble with concentration or focus, trouble completing tasks, and having a much slower take on the day. While these are not all of the signs associated with each episode, it is essential to be aware of them.

These symptoms often go unnoticed by the individual, who may not recognize these symptoms as part of a disorder. If you notice a friend or loved one going through these episode experiences, it is wise to help them seek or recommend treatment. Especially with young adults, encouraging them to seek treatment of some kind early on will help them long-term in their mental health journey and in their lives.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Treatments for bipolar disorder are lifelong. Bipolar disorder treatment most often includes prescribed medication alongside psychotherapy to manage symptoms and improve mental health long-term. Other treatment options may also include natural products and individual practices to ease anxieties or moods. However, these practices are most effective when implemented alongside medications or therapy.

Medications

The most common medications used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. However, medications always have the possibility of surfacing side effects such as nausea, sleepiness, or dizziness. When taking medication for bipolar disorder, it is imperative to consult with a medical professional who can monitor side effects. 

Psychotherapy

The most recommended form of psychotherapy used to treat bipolar disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT encourages individuals to change their thinking patterns to help them change their behavior. 

Other types of psychotherapy used to treat bipolar disorder include: 

• Interpersonal and social therapy
• Psycho-education
• Chronotherapy

Seeking an Intervention for Those Struggling With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder commonly goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in young adults. When someone is experiencing a depressive episode, they are more likely to seek help than when they are experiencing a manic episode. This often leads to the misdiagnosis of depression. Others may write off the symptoms of bipolar disorder as normal “mood swings.” When this happens, people can go undiagnosed for years. 

With misdiagnosed and undiagnosed bipolar disorder, individuals will continue to struggle. Bipolar disorder can affect every area of a person’s life, from daily life to social relationships and work. When you notice a loved one is struggling, seeking help as soon as possible is imperative. 

An intervention can help bring awareness to a person’s behaviors. With the help of a professional interventionist, you can help your loved one seek an accurate diagnosis and treatment. The goal of an intervention is to help your loved one live the life they deserve.

Intervention With A New Hope Recovery

At A New Hope Recovery, we implement our four-step intervention process to help those struggling with mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder. We can help assess the situation, plan and implement the intervention, and get your loved one to treatment safely.

When young adults struggle with bipolar disorder, it can affect their entire lives. A New Hope Recovery can help you plan an intervention that can save your loved one’s life. Through our four-step intervention process, those struggling with bipolar disorder can find the treatment they deserve. Using evidence-based motivational techniques and a family-systems-oriented approach, we want to help your loved one become willing to accept treatment and find recovery. We also offer case management and counseling services to ensure you, your loved one, and your family has everything they need to heal. To learn more about our services and how we can help those struggling with bipolar disorder, call A New Hope Recovery today at (407) 501-8490.

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Many people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder self-medicate to reduce their symptoms, not knowing they have bipolar disorder. The practice of self-medication can quickly lead someone down the road of addiction. Those struggling with bipolar disorder and addiction often need professional treatment. 

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder “[I]s a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.” Bipolar disorder typically presents itself in a person’s late teen years or early adult years. 

Treatments for bipolar disorder are lifelong. They often include a prescribed treatment plan alongside guidance to manage symptoms and improve mental health long-term. 

There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.

Bipolar I Disorder

People with bipolar I disorder experience at least week-long manic episodes followed by roughly two weeks of depression. It is also possible for manic periods to occur during this two-week period. If this cycle occurs four or more times a year, it is considered rapid cycling.

Bipolar II Disorder

Those with bipolar II disorder also go through this cycle of episodes. However, those with bipolar II disorder do not experience manic episodes. Instead, they experience hypomanic episodes. This is because hypomania experienced in bipolar II disorder is less severe than mania experienced in bipolar I disorder.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Another form of bipolar disorder is cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia. This disorder includes hypomanic and depressive symptoms. However, the symptoms are not severe enough or do not last long enough to qualify as episodes.

Unspecified Bipolar Disorder

There are symptoms of bipolar disorder, however, that do not fit the descriptions listed above. These can be part of unspecified bipolar or external disorders. 

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder can include:

• Very positive, high feelings and emotions
• Easily irritated or touchy
• Feeling jumpy or more active than normal
• Decreased need for sleep or an inability to sleep
• Feeling one can complete many tasks or activities simultaneously without getting tired
• Fast speech, talking quickly, or jumbled speech
• Racing thoughts, which are also affiliated with the quickness of speech
• Increased appetite, sex drive, drinking, or other pleasurable activities
• Increased feelings of importance, talent, or power 

Those with bipolar II disorder or cyclothymic disorder typically experience these symptoms to a lesser degree. 

Symptoms of depressive episodes often include:

• Feelings of sadness or anxiety
• Noticing oneself move or complete activities in the day slower
• Restlessness and trouble falling asleep and waking up
• Excessive sleep
• Slower speech, forgetfulness, or trouble finding what to say
• Trouble with concentration or decision-making
• Feeling unable to complete simple tasks
• Lack of interest in activities
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide

These symptoms and episodes can also occur at the same time, known as mixed feature episodes. For instance, feelings of hopelessness residing with depressive episodes may also be paired with feelings of power from manic episodes.

Often these symptoms go unnoticed as many people who experience bipolar disorder symptoms recognize their feelings as something random that will eventually subside. It is also common for the individual to not recognize these symptoms as a disorder, although those around them can notice changes in their behaviors. Due to this mindset, many individuals with bipolar disorder go undiagnosed, leading to increased risk of addiction.

Undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder and Addiction

When dealing with severe mood swings, many undiagnosed individuals find themselves coping with substances. Alcohol is primarily a substance found to be used in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Their goal with self-medicating is to ease their mood swings and overwhelming feelings. However, this creates co-occurring issues: mental health issues as well as addiction.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “[B]ipolar disorder and substance misuse can be viewed as overlapping disorders of the systems in the brain that regulate impulsivity, motivation, and the feeling of reward.” They estimate that roughly 30-50% of people with bipolar disorder will develop substance use disorder (SUD). 

Finding Treatment Through Intervention

It can be frightening for individuals not to know why their behavior is constantly changing and not knowing why substance use feels necessary for them. If these experiences are prevalent or bipolar symptoms are present, intervention can help your loved ones find a diagnosis and treatment. 

With an intervention, a treatment plan is created. Co-occurring disorders can be dealt with simultaneously, providing support for both mental health and addiction.

Both mood disorders – such as bipolar disorder – and relapse prevention can be implemented in treatment plans. When treatment is over, an after-care support system is also created where professionals and registered faculty specifically focus on relapse prevention.

Here at A New Hope Recovery, we can help find treatment for both mental health disorders and addiction. Our intervention program and treatment plans help patients and their families navigate their recovery journey. We provide support from our faculty and encourage individuals to have a support group of their own, ideally loved ones like family members or friends. With an intense support system and willingness, our patients develop a new sense of understanding. At A New Hope Recovery, we prioritize the patient in regard to achieving their lifelong goals, not just guiding them through recovery. We support them after their treatment plan, implementing a relapse prevention service. Call us at (407) 501-8490 to learn more about our services.

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