When is bipolar diagnosed

Get Involved Share Your Story. Get Involved Partner with Us. Advocacy Advocate for Change. Advocacy Policy Priorities. Advocacy Policy Platform. Advocacy Crisis Intervention. Advocacy State Fact Sheets. Advocacy Public Policy Reports. Bipolar Disorder. Symptoms Symptoms and their severity can vary. Causes Scientists have not yet discovered a single cause of bipolar disorder. Currently, they believe several factors may contribute, including: Genetics.

But the role of genetics is not absolute: A child from a family with a history of bipolar disorder may never develop the disorder. Studies of identical twins have found that, even if one twin develops the disorder, the other may not. A stressful event such as a death in the family, an illness, a difficult relationship, divorce or financial problems can trigger a manic or depressive episode. Brain structure and function. Brain scans cannot diagnose bipolar disorder, yet researchers have identified subtle differences in the average size or activation of some brain structures in people with bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor may perform a physical examination, conduct an interview and order lab tests. Four Types of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar I Disorder is an illness in which people have experienced one or more episodes of mania.

Most people diagnosed with bipolar I will have episodes of both mania and depression, though an episode of depression is not necessary for a diagnosis. Cyclothymic Disorder or Cyclothymia is a chronically unstable mood state in which people experience hypomania and mild depression for at least two years.

People with cyclothymia may have brief periods of normal mood, but these periods last less than eight weeks. Treatment Bipolar disorder is treated and managed in several ways: Psychotherapy , such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family-focused therapy.

Medications , such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications and, to a lesser extent, antidepressants. Complementary health approaches , such as aerobic exercise meditation, faith and prayer can support, but not replace, treatment. Mania can cause other symptoms as well, but seven of the key signs of this phase of bipolar disorder are:.

Like mania, depression can cause other symptoms as well, but here are seven of the key signs of depression from bipolar disorder:. There are four common types of bipolar disorder, but two of these types are most often diagnosed. The person may end up in the emergency room if left untreated. To have bipolar I, a person must have manic episodes.

In order for an event to be considered a manic episode, it must:. Bipolar II is considered more common than bipolar I. It also involves depressive symptoms, but its manic symptoms are much less severe and are called hypomanic symptoms. Hypomania often becomes worse without treatment, and the person can become severely manic or depressed. There are two other types of the disorder that are less common than bipolar I and II.

Cyclothymic disorder involves changes in mood and shifts similar to bipolar I and II, but the shifts are often less dramatic in nature. A person with cyclothymic disorder can often function normally without medication, though it may be hard. Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified is a general category for a person who only has some symptoms of bipolar disorder. These symptoms are not enough to make a diagnosis of one of the other three types.

Unless you have severe mania, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be hard to spot. People who have hypomania may feel more energized than usual, more confident and full of ideas, and able to get by on less sleep. These are things that hardly anyone complains about. Learn how bipolar disorder is diagnosed. Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor will decide on a treatment program that works best for you.

If you have mania or hypomania you may struggle to manage your finances. You may spend lots of money without thinking about the effect that it may have on your life. This means that you pick someone that you trust to manage your finances if you lack mental capacity to manage them by yourself.

You can work with your carer and mental health team. You can form an action plan. This can say what they can do if you have a period of mania or hypomania and you start to make poor financial decisions.

People with bipolar disorder have a higher rate of physical illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. You should have a physical health check at least once every year to help manage these risks. Drinking alcohol, smoking or taking other drugs while taking medication could stop your medication working properly and make your symptoms worse. You must stop driving if you have an episode of severe depression, hypomania, mania or psychosis. You can speak to your GP.

You should be given your own assessment through NHS mental health services to work out what effect your caring role is having on your health. And what support you need. Such as practical support and emergency support. You can also search for groups on the Carers Trust website:. You might find it easier to support someone with bipolar disorder if you understand their symptoms, treatment and self-management skills. You should be aware of what you can do if you are worried about their mental state.

It can be helpful to know contact information for their mental health team or GP. You could find out from your relative if they have a crisis plan. As a carer you should be involved in decisions about care planning. The medical team should encourage the person that you care for to allow information to be shared with you. You can use a WRAP to get well, stay well and make your life your own.

It was developed in by a group of people who were searching for ways to overcome their own mental health issues and move on to fulfilling their life dreams and goals. Website : www.

Bipolar UK This is a user led charity working to enable people affected by bipolar disorder to take control of their lives. You can email or leave a voicemail to arrange a call back with a staff member.

The Hearing Voices Network This service gives support and understanding for those who hear voices or experience other types of hallucination. Donate Search Menu. About us About us. See our contacts page Looking to contact us? Covid support. Supporting yourself Read more Supporting yourself. Covid information hub See all pages Covid information hub. Help in your area. Find peer support online Visit the Clic website Find peer support online.

Advice and information. Contact our advice service today Need more information? Get involved. Become a campaigner Sign up today Become a campaigner. Get help now. Advice and information About mental illness Learn more about conditions Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder This section explains the symptoms of bipolar disorder , treatments, and ways to manage the condition.

If you would like more advice or information you can contact our Advice and Information Service by clicking here. Download Bipolar disorder factsheet.

Share: Contact us:. Overview Bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar affective disorder, is a mood disorder. It used to be called manic depression. Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.

You can also have psychotic symptoms. There are different types of bipolar disorder. But it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental causes. Bipolar disorder is treated with medication or talking therapies. Need more advice? If you need more advice or information you can contact our Advice and Information Service.

Contact us Contact us. You can experience episodes of: mania, and depression. Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression. What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Such as: spending a lot of money, having casual sex with different people, using drugs or alcohol, gambling, or making unwise decisions. Hypomania Hypomania is like mania but you will have milder symptoms. Psychosis Sometimes you can have psychotic symptoms during a severe episode of mania or depression. Symptoms of psychosis can be: hallucinations. This means that you may hear, see, or feel things that are not there, and delusions. Other people will usually find your beliefs unusual.

You can find more information about: Depression by clicking here. Psychosis by clicking here. What is bipolar disorder I disorder?

What is bipolar II disorder? What is bipolar I or II disorder with mixed features? What is bipolar I or II disorder with rapid cycling?

What is bipolar I or II with seasonal pattern? What is cyclothymia? What causes bipolar disorder? Brain chemical imbalance Different chemicals in your brain affect your mood and behaviour. Environmental factors Stressful life events can trigger symptoms of bipolar disorder. Getting help How do I get help if I think I have bipolar disorder? The usual first step to getting help is to speak to your GP.

Your GP may arrange an appointment with a psychiatrist if you have: depression, and ever felt very excited or not in control of your mood or behaviour for at least 4 days in a row.

Treatment and management What is the treatment for mania, hypomania and depression? What medications are recommended? Mood stabilisers are usually used to manage mania, hypomania and depressive symptoms. The mood stabilisers we talk about in this factsheet are: Lithium Certain antipsychotic medication Certain anticonvulsive medication Certain benzodiazepine medication Mania and hypomania You should be offered a mood stabiliser to help manage your mania or hypomania.

If you are taking antidepressants your doctor may advise you to withdraw from taking them. Your doctor should think about giving you benzodiazepine medication short term. You may be offered the following medication: Fluoxetine with Olanzapine Quetiapine Olanzapine or Lamotrigine Fluoxetine is an antidepressant.

Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant medication. Your doctor can prescribe the above medication alongside: Lithium, and Sodium valproate. You can find more information about: Mood stabilisers by clicking here. Antipsychotics by clicking here. Antidepressants by clicking here. Benzodiazepines by clicking here. Medication — choice and managing problems by clicking here.

What psychological treatments are recommended? If you have an episode of depression you should be offered medication and a high intensity talking therapy, such as: cognitive behavioural therapy CBT , or interpersonal therapy. What are the long-term treatments for bipolar disorder?

What medication options are there? If lithium doesn't work well enough or causes you problems, you may be offered: Valproate, Olanzapine, or Quetiapine.

These checks will include: measuring your weight, blood and urine tests, checking your liver and heart, and checking your pulse and blood pressure. Is there any other support? Your mental health team should give you advice about exercise and healthy eating. What is the Care Programme Approach? CPA aims to support your mental health recovery by helping you to understand your: strengths, goals, support needs, and difficulties.