Bipolar Disorder - Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by significant mood swings between emotional highs and lows. These shifts can greatly impact daily functioning and quality of life.

During manic periods, a person might feel extremely happy, energetic, or irritable. These emotional peaks can affect judgment and behavior in noticeable ways.

The low periods involve depression, where feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities become overwhelming. These mood shifts can disrupt sleep patterns, energy levels, and thinking abilities.

Frequency and Duration:

Some experience rare episodes
Others have multiple episodes yearly
Each episode typically lasts several days
Some people enjoy long stretches of stability between episodes

People with this condition may experience simultaneous depression and mania, leading to challenging emotional states.

While bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, it can be effectively managed. Treatment usually combines:

Medication to stabilize mood
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) to develop coping strategies
Lifestyle adjustments to reduce triggers

With proper treatment and support, many people with bipolar disorder lead fulfilling, productive lives. Healthcare providers can create personalized treatment plans that address each person’s specific symptoms and needs.

Signs and Changes in Mood

Mania and Mood Highs

Mania and hypomania share similar symptoms but differ in severity. Mania is more intense and can seriously disrupt your work, school, and relationships. It might even cause a break from reality (psychosis) that requires hospital care.

Both conditions include at least three of these signs:

Unusual energy levels – Being much more active or agitated than normal.
Elevated self-confidence – Feeling extremely good about yourself or having an inflated sense of abilities.
Reduced sleep needs – Functioning on much less sleep without feeling tired.
Increased talking – Speaking faster than usual and being more talkative.
Racing thoughts – Ideas jumping quickly from one topic to another.
Easy distraction – Trouble staying focused on one thing.
Poor judgment – Making risky decisions about money, relationships, or other important matters.

Depression Episodes

A major depressive episode makes daily activities very difficult. These symptoms are serious enough to interfere with work, school, and social life.

An episode includes five or more of these signs:

Low mood – Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless (children and teens may seem irritable or angry instead).
Loss of interest—No longer enjoying activities you used to like.
Weight changes—Significant weight loss or gain, or, in children, not growing as expected.
Sleep problems – Sleeping too much or too little.
Movement changes – Feeling restless or moving noticeably slower.
Energy loss – Feeling tired or drained most of the time.
Worthlessness – Feeling excessive guilt or like you have no value.
Thinking problems – Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
Suicidal thoughts – Thinking about death or suicide plans.

Other Common Features

The condition can include other important features such as:

Anxiety symptoms – Feeling worried, fearful, or like you’re losing control.
Deep sadness – Profound loss of pleasure and extreme sadness.
Disconnection from reality – Having thoughts or feelings that don’t match what’s real.

The timing of symptoms may be:

Pattern	Description
Mixed episodes	Having depression and mania/hypomania symptoms at the same time
Rapid cycling	Experiencing four mood episodes within one year

Symptoms can also change during pregnancy or with seasonal patterns.

How Children and Teens Show Symptoms

In young people, these mood symptoms can be harder to identify. Parents and doctors often question whether behaviors are normal, responses to stress, or indicators of a mental health issue.

Children and teens may experience clear depressive or manic episodes, but their patterns often differ from those of adults. Key differences include:

Faster mood shifts during episodes
Possible symptom-free periods between episodes
More dramatic mood swings than typical for their age

When to Visit a Doctor

Many people with this condition don’t realize how much their emotional instability affects their lives and relationships. Some even enjoy the productive energy and good feelings during mood highs, not recognizing that a crash will follow.

See a healthcare professional if you notice:

Any symptoms of depression
Signs of unusual energy or excitement
Mood swings that disrupt your life

When to Get Emergency Support

Suicidal thoughts are common with this condition. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide:

Tell a trusted friend or family member
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7)
Use the Lifeline Chat online
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
Spanish speakers can call 1-888-628-9454

These services are free and confidential. Don’t wait—getting help during a crisis can save a life.

Causes

Scientists don’t fully understand what causes bipolar disorder, but research points to several important factors:

Biological factors play a key role in bipolar disorder. Brain scans show physical differences in the brains of people with this condition.

While researchers don’t yet know the exact significance of these changes, they provide important clues about how the disorder develops.

Genetic influence is another major factor. If someone has a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, their risk increases. Scientists are identifying genes associated with bipolar disorder to enable earlier diagnosis and improve treatments.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase someone’s chance of developing bipolar disorder:

Family history – Having a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder significantly raises risk.
Stressful life events – Major stressors, like losing a loved one, can trigger first episodes.
Substance use – Misusing alcohol or drugs may contribute to the onset of bipolar disorder

These factors don’t guarantee someone will develop the condition, but they may make a person more vulnerable to experiencing symptoms.

Problems That May Happen

Related Health Issues

Bipolar disorder often occurs alongside other health problems. Sometimes these issues make bipolar symptoms worse, or treatment more difficult.

Common related conditions include:

Anxiety Disorders: Feelings of worry or fear that can be intense.
Eating disorders: Unhealthy eating patterns affecting physical and mental health.
ADHD: Trouble focusing and controlling behavior.
PTSD: Mental health condition triggered by traumatic events.
Substance Use Problems: Misuse of alcohol or drugs.
Personality Disorders: Especially those with unstable emotions.
Physical Health Problems: Including heart disease, thyroid problems, and obesity.

Without treatment, bipolar disorder can impact finances, relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.

Prevention

Early intervention for mental health issues can help prevent the worsening of bipolar disorder symptoms, although there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it.

Individuals with bipolar disorder can use several strategies to manage their condition and prevent mild symptoms from escalating into full episodes.

Recognize Warning Signs Early

Being aware of your symptoms and seeking help promptly can prevent episodes from escalating. Many people notice patterns in their bipolar episodes and can identify specific triggers.

Maintain Healthy Sleep Habits

Sleep disturbances often trigger or worsen bipolar symptoms. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is essential for stability.

Avoid Substances That Trigger Symptoms

Substances like alcohol, recreational drugs, and other substances can worsen your symptoms. Avoid these substances to prevent symptom triggers.

Take Medications Consistently

Never stop taking prescribed medications or adjust dosages without medical supervision. Discontinuing medication can lead to withdrawal effects, symptom recurrence, and worsening of the condition.

Additional Preventive Measures

Follow your treatment plan
Attend therapy sessions regularly
Practice stress management techniques
Maintain a stable daily routine