Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme ups and downs in a person’s mood and energy. People with bipolar disorder have low-energy moods called depression and high-energy moods called mania (or manic moods).
When people have major mood changes, it affects how they think, feel, and act. They may have a hard time focusing on schoolwork or getting along well with others. They’re also more likely to do risky things.
Treatment for bipolar disorder includes medicine and therapy. The goal is to help people feel better and learn ways to manage their moods.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder doesn't have just one cause. Having genes for the condition and a family member with bipolar disorder make it more likely for someone to develop it. But not everyone with a family history of the condition will have bipolar disorder. Also, very stressful life events may increase the risk for bipolar disorder in people who have the genes for it.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms?
People with bipolar disorder go between depressed and manic moods but also have times when they feel good and aren’t feeling “high” or “low.”
During a depressed mood, people tend to feel sad or grouchy for at least 2 weeks.
They may also:
- feel hopeless or have low energy
- struggle to finish things or have trouble concentrating
- have problems sleeping or sleep more than usual
- eat less or eat more
- not enjoy activities the way they used to or not interact with others as much
- have thoughts of self-harm or suicide
During a manic mood, people often have a high-energy mood for 4–7 days. They may think and act in ways that are extreme for them. For example, they may:
- have racing thoughts, speak very fast or nonstop, or skip from topic to topic
- have lots of energy or rush through things
- stay awake for days or not seem to need sleep
- act overly silly or overly happy
- use poor judgment or try risky behaviors like drug or alcohol use
- become very angry, very quickly
- think of themselves as being more important than they are or believe they have superpowers
How Do Doctors Diagnose Bipolar Disorder?
A mental health provider will ask questions about your overall health, including any conditions that may cause mood changes. You’ll also talk about your moods, feelings, and thoughts. You'll be asked about how things are going at school and home, and with friends. Doctors may also ask about your family health history.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment for bipolar disorder includes medicine and psychotherapy (therapy for mental health problems). Both treatments help balance a person's moods. Just taking medicine may not be enough.
A kind of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. A certain type of CBT known as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) helps most people with bipolar disorder by focusing on four key things:
- Being mindful. People learn to notice and accept all experiences, including thoughts and feelings.
- Managing emotions. This means understanding and responding to tough or strong emotions in a healthy way.
- Tolerating distress. People develop better coping skills for serious or upsetting events that can be a normal part of life.
- Getting along with others. Skills are taught to help people become better communicators and improve relationships.
With time and practice, these skills can become part of a person’s daily life.
Therapy also includes making routines and goals and finding ways to move toward them. A therapist can help track progress. During therapy, many people find strengths they didn’t know they had.
When possible, parents join in on therapy sessions. This lets them understand the experiences and emotions of bipolar disorder and how to respond. This can help families feel closer and have less conflict.
What Else Should I Know?
Just about everyone has highs and lows throughout their life and in the way they feel. Most of the time, mood changes do not mean a person has bipolar disorder.
Mood changes could be a sign of bipolar disorder if they:
- are extreme or intense
- include depressed and manic moods
- have major effects on a person's energy, thinking, and behavior
- cause big problems in daily life
If you’re worried about your moods and think you might have bipolar disorder, talk with a parent, doctor, mental health provider, or another trusted adult.