Essential Insights on Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, a common mental health condition, is characterized by intense episodes of mania and depression that can significantly impact a person's ability to function and fulfill everyday responsibilities [1][3][5]. Contrary to popular misconceptions, it is not just moodiness, and people with bipolar disorder are not perpetually manic or depressed [1][5].
Misrepresentation of bipolar disorder in the media can lead to fear, stigma, and affect the quality of care. Common misconceptions include the belief that bipolar disorder is rare, that affected individuals are always either manic or depressed, and that people with bipolar disorder are inherently violent or always require hospitalization [1][3][5].
Violence is not a defining characteristic of bipolar disorder. While irritability or impulsivity during a manic episode can sometimes lead to aggression, most individuals with bipolar disorder are not violent [1][3]. It's essential to challenge these misconceptions to reduce stigma and improve early intervention.
Treatment for bipolar disorder is broader than just medication. A combination of medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and support often leads to better outcomes than medication alone [2][3][4]. Without treatment, bipolar disorder can get worse [6].
These misconceptions impact treatment by delaying diagnosis and care, contributing to stigma and fear, and oversimplifying treatment expectations [1][5]. Correcting these misconceptions is crucial to improving early intervention, reducing stigma, and promoting comprehensive, individualized treatment strategies that combine medication, therapy, lifestyle modification, and support systems to manage bipolar disorder effectively [1][2][3][5].
With proper medical care, many people with bipolar disorder can reduce the impact of their disease and take control of their mental health. A better understanding of bipolar disorder can help improve recognition and reduce stigma. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it is treatable with the help of a mental health professional who may recommend medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two [7].
People with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience certain health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity [8]. Physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or biking, weightlifting, yoga, or Pilates, may benefit people with bipolar disorder by complementing medication and therapy to help manage some of the symptoms, promote sleep, and boost heart and brain health [9]. However, exercise should never be used to replace prescribed treatments for bipolar disorder.
Being able to talk openly and honestly about bipolar disorder symptoms is important to improve access to treatment. More than 5 in 6 adults feel that stigma is a major barrier to treatment for mood disorders, according to the 2021 Mood Disorder Survey from NAMI [10]. A depressive episode may include symptoms such as feeling very sad, isolating from others, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts [4]. A manic episode may include symptoms such as feeling elated or excited, racing thoughts, sleeping less, and taking unusual risks [4].
The three main types of bipolar disorder are bipolar 1 disorder, bipolar 2 disorder, and cyclothymic disorder [3]. People with bipolar disorder typically receive a diagnosis during late adolescence or early adulthood, but it is possible for the symptoms to appear in children [11]. Bipolar disorder sometimes first appears during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth [12].
With a better understanding of bipolar disorder and a commitment to challenging misconceptions, we can work towards reducing stigma and improving care for those affected by this condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, seek help from a mental health professional today.
References:
[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
[2] Frank, E., Swartz, M. S., & Kupfer, D. J. (2013). Bipolar disorder: New directions for research. The Lancet Psychiatry, 0(0), 1–10.
[3] National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml
[4] National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Bipolar disorder: Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145145
[5] National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder
[6] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
[7] National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Bipolar disorder: Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145150
[8] National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Bipolar disorder: Comorbidity. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145151
[9] National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Bipolar disorder: Lifestyle changes. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145152
[10] National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). 2021 Mood Disorder Survey. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News-and-Media/Press-Releases/2021/NAMI-Releases-2021-Mood-Disorder-Survey
[11] National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Bipolar disorder: Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145148
[12] Postpartum Progress. (2019). Postpartum bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://www.postpartumprogress.com/postpartum-bipolar/
- Misconceptions about bipolar disorder in science and health-and-wellness discourse can perpetuate stigma, leading to improper treatment and care for individuals affected by the condition.
- Proper mental health care, including medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and support, can help individuals with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms and improve their overall mental health.
