Bipolar Disorders: Managing Extreme Highs and Lows
Published: 08 December 2022
Published: 08 December 2022
An estimated 1 in 50 (1.8%) Australian adults experience a bipolar disorder each year (Healthdirect 2020).
The exact causes of bipolar disorders are not yet clear. However, there is evidence to suggest they are linked to a combination of genetic, neurological, biological, and environmental factors (SANE 2022).
In the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), bipolar disorders are defined as a group of brain disorders that cause extreme fluctuations in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function (APA, as cited by Truschel 2020).
People with bipolar disorder will experience periods of mania and depression.
During mania, feelings of excitement, overactivity, delusions and euphoria will be present. In depressive periods, a person will feel sad and hopeless (Truschel 2020).
The term ‘bipolar’ reflects the nature of the condition: a fluctuation between extreme highs and lows. These extreme emotional states may occur at distinct times or periods (Truschel 2020; APA 2020).
People with bipolar disorders will have periods of regular moods as well. Treatments are available for bipolar disorders; people with these conditions can still lead full and productive lives (APA 2020).
(Truschel 2020)
(Truschel 2020; APA 2021)
(Truschel 2020; APA 2021)
As per the DSM-5, there are seven possible diagnoses for adult bipolar disorder:
(APA 2022)
The first step to diagnosing a bipolar disorder is to seek the opinion of a mental health professional.
A manic period is defined as an elevated, expansive or irritable mood alongside increased activity and energy that lasts for at least one week and is present for most of the day, nearly every day (Black Dog Institute 2022).
Mania will be severe enough to disrupt work, family life, social life and daily responsibilities (APA 2021).
During mania, three or more of the following symptoms must be present:
(Black Dog Institute 2022)
A hypomanic period is quite similar to a manic period. However, the symptoms will be less severe. Symptoms only need to last four days in a row to be considered a hypomanic episode (APA 2021).
Hypomanic symptoms do not lead to the major problems that mania is associated with. Generally, a person will still be able to function (APA 2021).
A depressive period is a period of two weeks in which a person presents at least five of the following symptoms. This must include at least one of the first two symptoms in the list:
(APA 2021)
The impact bipolar disorders can have on a person’s life should not be underestimated. Suicide risk is significantly higher among people living with bipolar I disorder (APA 2021). Thankfully, there are treatments widely available for people who have bipolar disorders.
Bipolar disorders require long-term management. They are generally treated with a combination of medicines - such as mood stabilisers, antidepressants or antipsychotics - as well as counselling, psychotherapy and/or community support (Healthy WA 2015; Rush 2022).
If you or someone you know needs help now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
Question 1 of 3
True or false: 1 in 50 Australian adults will experience a bipolar disorder each year.