Written By Teena Thomas
Chapters:
Introduction
Symptoms/Characteristics
Treatments
Bipolar Disorder vs. BPD
Conclusion
Introduction
Bipolar Disorder is a disorder that is characterized by frequent mood swings that range from emotional lows to highs. For those diagnosed, the lows are similar to depression, as it would leave one feeling sad, eliminate their drive to do something, and in severe cases, lead to isolation. As for the highs, many healthcare institutions classify them as mania or hypomania, where one may feel a surge of energy, emotion, and even irritability. Bipolar Disorder affects many people, as 1 in 100 individuals will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lifetime. No matter the background, bipolar disorder is something that can change how someone views their everyday matters and may result in a drastic change of lifestyle. Although each case may vary, it's important to understand the characteristics of Bipolar Disorder and how it is treated, as it opens a new perspective on what different walks of life may look like.
Symptoms/Characteristics
Depressive symptoms may include:
Feelings of sadness
Shorter sleep
Doubt
Paranoia
Lack of energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Hard time concentrating
Loss of interest
On the other hand, there are many symptoms that fall under the mania/hypomania side of BP.
Manic symptoms may include:
Unusual surge of happiness
Acting out of character
Difficulty sleeping
Full of energy
Hallucinations
Easily distracted
Easily irritated
Making major decisions spontaneously
To add on, the frequency of episodes (mood swings) depends on the severity of their diagnosis. For many, they occur rarely rather than frequently, such as a couple of times a year. Further, some may have emotional symptoms, while “between episodes…[others] may not experience any” (Mayo Clinic, 3). While these symptoms are reported to be some of the major things noticed as a result of the disorder, it's important to recognize that each individual is different, and they may have a different set of symptoms in comparison to the ones listed here.
Treatments
The first step in obtaining treatment for Bipolar Disorder is to undergo an evaluation and receive a diagnosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, the steps are as follows; first, a physical exam, second, a psychiatric assessment, third, mood charting, and fourth, reviewing the criteria for Bipolar Disorder. To start, one’s doctor would conduct a comprehensive physical examination and may even run lab tests to identify if there are any underlying conditions that may be the root cause. If a doctor has cleared an individual after analyzing their findings and has deemed the cause of their symptoms to not be of an existing medical condition, then the common next step is a psychiatry referral. From then, the psychiatrist would most likely conduct a psychiatric assessment of which they examine the person’s thoughts and feelings. In some cases, these are conducted through a questionnaire, although it’s mainly at the discretion of the doctor. An optional next step is to implement the system of mood charting, where the person would keep track of any patterns relating to their mood/sleep in order to charter a more accurate diagnosis. From there on out, they would either be diagnosed, or their symptoms would be compared to the American Psychiatric Association’s official criteria for an additional layer of certainty.
The first option to treat Bipolar Disorder is through medicines, also known as “mood stabilizers” (NHS). This is the most common method of treatment and is taken daily for a long period of time. Additionally, antidepressants may be prescribed cautiously to address depressive symptoms, but their use is often monitored closely to prevent triggering manic episodes. Another option is psychotherapy, which includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) plays a crucial role in helping individuals understand and manage their symptoms, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies. Implementing Talking Therapy could also work beneficially, as it would help the person feel understood and give them an outlet to let their emotions run free. Further, it would help them gain advice on how to manage life with BP as well as tackle the problems they may pose to the person’s relationships. Lifestyle changes such as establishing a sleep schedule, managing stress, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are all positive additions to one’s treatment approach.
Bipolar Disorder vs. BPD
“When a person with bipolar disorder is not in a manic or depressive episode, they demonstrate stability that the borderline personality does not show. If a bipolar person is between episodes, they can function pretty well in the world. They can have in-depth relationships that might be disturbed by their periods of illness, but when they are not experiencing episodes, they have a stability that you do not see in the borderline person”
Courtney Allison, New-York Presbyterian
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