Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also called bipolar affective disorder, is a mental health issue that is characterised by unusual shifts in mood and energy levels, most commonly between episodes of depression and mania. Similarly to depression in general, a depressive episode of bipolar disorder is characterised by low mood and lethargic feelings, a lack of energy, and difficulty with day-to-day activities. Manic states in bipolar disorder are largely experienced as the opposite: high mood, high energy, and high levels of output and productivity. An individual with bipolar disorder may experience hypomania rather than mania, where the feelings are similar but less intense. Bipolar disorder was once known as manic depression.

Though we may all experience changes in mood day-to-day, an individual with bipolar disorder may not regularly experience a ‘normal’ or steady mood at all, and these shifts between the extremes can have harmful effects on all areas of life and be very difficult to cope with, particularly if untreated and unsupported. Shifting between mood states in bipolar disorder does not necessarily happen across short periods of time. An episode, either depressive or manic, may last for days, weeks, or longer.

How common is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder affects around 1 in every 100 adults in the UK. Most commonly bipolar will develop between the ages of 15-19, though it can develop in later life. Men and women are affected by bipolar disorder equally.

The different types of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder can be categorised into the following main types:

Bipolar I:

• Manic episodes are clearly recognisable

• To be diagnosed as Type I, the individual must experience manic episodes. Though the vast majority of individuals with Type I also experience depressive episodes, these are not required for the Type I diagnosis

• A manic episode will usually last around 3-6 months

• A depressive episode is longer, usually lasting 6-12 months

Bipolar II:

• More common than bipolar I and less clearly recognisable

• Characterised by less severe episodes of mania than bipolar I. Those with bipolar II experience hypomania rather than mania

Rapid cycling:

• Four or more mood state changes over the period of a year would be characterised as rapid cycling. This can happen with both Type I and Type II bipolar disorder and affects around 1 in 10 people with bipolar disorder

Cyclothymia:

• The felt experience of the mood states is not as severe as in bipolar I and II, but the states may last longer periods of time