{"id":1495,"date":"2023-12-19T21:24:31","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T21:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1495"},"modified":"2023-12-15T21:35:59","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T21:35:59","slug":"what-is-bipolar-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/womens-health-medications\/what-is-bipolar-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Bipolar Disorder?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bipolar disorder may be treated with mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or antipsychotics in combination with therapy.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>You can find the lowest price for bipolar disorder medications at BidRx.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/statistics\/bipolar-disorder\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">affects about 2.8%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the American population \u2014 especially people in their 20s and 30s. The intense emotional highs and lows of bipolar disorder can have a tremendous impact on your life, making it hard to work, socialize, and keep up with daily activities. Thankfully, many people living with this common mental health condition are able to manage their symptoms with a combination of medication, therapy, and support from loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Bipolar Disorder Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive disorder) is characterized by extreme mood swings that can last for days, hours, or even weeks. Between these episodes, people with bipolar disorder typically feel stable and experience a normal mood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with bipolar disorder experience two primary types of mood swings: manic episodes and depressive episodes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Manic Episode Symptoms<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated mood or extreme irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusually high energy or activity levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Racing thoughts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty concentrating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reckless behavior, such as excessive spending, risky sexual activity, or substance abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Depressive Episode Symptoms<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low mood, sadness, or irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue or loss of energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feelings of worthlessness or guilt<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty concentrating or making decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thoughts of suicide or self harm<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, you may experience both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. In a mixed state, it\u2019s possible to feel agitated, impulsive, hopeless, and fatigued all at once.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also experience rapid cycling, in which you quickly and repeatedly swing from manic to depressive episodes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite these extreme symptoms, it can be difficult to recognize how much this emotional instability disrupts daily life. Everyone\u2019s experience is different, so it\u2019s important to discuss all your symptoms with your doctor to find the right treatment for you. Seeking treatment from a mental health professional can help you get your symptoms under control.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Bipolar Disorder Types<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three primary types of bipolar disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bipolar I disorder. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This condition is characterized by at least one manic episode that lasts one week or more. A major depressive episode is common, but not necessary for a diagnosis of bipolar I.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bipolar II disorder. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This type includes recurring depressive episodes and at least one manic episode, which may be less severe. This less-intense kind of mania, called hypomania, is common in bipolar II disorder.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cyclothymic disorder. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by multiple manic or hypomanic and depressive episodes. These fluctuations may not meet the criteria for bipolar I or II disorder, but these mood swings persist for two years or more.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bipolar Disorder Risk Factors and Causes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, there is no known way to prevent bipolar disorder, and its causes are not fully understood. However, researchers have discovered some factors that may contribute to this mental health condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Genetic factors. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5378218\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">family history of bipolar disorder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have a higher risk of developing it themselves, especially if a close relative (like a parent or sibling) has it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stress and trauma.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> High-stress situations, childhood trauma, or significant life disruptions can trigger the onset of bipolar disorder or worsen symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Substance abuse.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Drug or alcohol misuse can intensify bipolar disorder symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although bipolar disorder can affect people of any age or gender, studies show that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7779377\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder may be more commonly diagnosed in women<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1497\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/2.jpeg-1.jpg\" alt=\"woman with a bipolar disorder alone in her room in the dark\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only a doctor or mental health professional can diagnose bipolar disorder. In order to reach a diagnosis, your doctor or mental health professional may take the following steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gather information on your personal and family history<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical examination to rule out other causes for your symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give a bipolar disorder test\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some physical health conditions, like thyroid disorders, may also have similar symptoms, so your doctor may conduct lab tests as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have bipolar disorder, your symptoms must meet the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The symptoms of bipolar disorder are sometimes confused with borderline personality disorder, depression, ADHD, and other common mental health conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1498\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/3.jpeg-1.jpg\" alt=\"bipolar\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Bipolar Disorder Complications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On its own, bipolar disorder is not harmful to your physical health, but extreme mood swings can trigger unsafe behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During manic episodes, you may engage in reckless or impulsive activity that could be dangerous. Episodes of bipolar depression can make it hard to do routine self-care and may lead to thoughts of self-harm. If you have bipolar disorder, be sure to talk to your doctor about any risky behaviors or thoughts of suicide. Seek immediate medical help if you think you may be a danger to yourself or others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to other challenges to your overall well-being, like financial and legal issues, difficulty working and socializing, and trouble seeking appropriate and timely treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some people, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15554795\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bipolar disorder can occur at the same time as other conditions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Migraines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obesity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substance abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Behavioral disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bipolar Disorder Treatment<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like many other mental health conditions, there is no cure for bipolar disorder, and it doesn\u2019t go away on its own. However, there are treatments available to manage symptoms and help you feel more stable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescription medications can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mood stabilizers. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/lithium-carbonate-150-mg-cap\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lithium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is commonly prescribed to reduce mood swings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anticonvulsant medications. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/womens-health-medications\/anticonvulsants\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anti-seizure medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like valproic acid (Depakote) may slow down the electrical impulses in the brain and reduce manic episodes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antidepressants. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/category\/depression-medications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like fluoxetine (Prozac), bupropion (Wellbutrin), and sertraline (Zoloft) may help ease depressive episodes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Atypical antipsychotics. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/depression-medications\/antispychotic-medications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antipsychotics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like aripiprazole (Abilify) may help stabilize moods and ease mixed state episodes. They may also be prescribed \u201coff label\u201d to treat the anxiety that often accompanies bipolar disorder.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment for bipolar disorder often involves a combination of medication, therapy, and following an active, healthy lifestyle. Your doctor can develop the treatment plan that works best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1499\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/4.jpeg-min.jpg\" alt=\"bipolar person in a therapy session\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Bipolar Disorder Medications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Millions of Americans have bipolar disorder, and if your doctor has prescribed medication, BidRx can help you find the lowest prices for your prescriptions. Compare pharmacies to find the best price, then pick up your medications locally or have them shipped right to your door. To get started, find your bipolar disorder medicines on our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medication page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and place your bid today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understand the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, know its risks and complications, and find the lowest price for bipolar medications at BidRx.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1496,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1495","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-womens-health-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1495","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1495"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1495\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1500,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1495\/revisions\/1500"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1495"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1495"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1495"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}