What Occurs During Bipolar Disorder's Manic Phase?

Have you or someone you know experienced mood swings that appear extreme or "unusual?" Do these mood alterations impact your focus or ability to complete tasks? While occasional mood shifts are common, frequent or seemingly unprovoked changes may warrant concern. For some individuals, these might indicate a mental health issue called bipolar disorder. Since not everyone with bipolar disorder is accurately diagnosed or receiving treatment, it's crucial to recognize the symptoms and know when to seek assistance.

What Constitutes Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that results in unusual variations in energy, mood, attention, and the capacity to carry out daily activities. These mood fluctuations, known as episodes, involve emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (i.e. depression). The National Institute of Mental Health states that around 2.6 percent of the adult population in the United States is impacted by bipolar disorder.

Factors Contributing To Bipolar Disorder Development

The precise origin of bipolar disorder remains undetermined among mental health experts. Researchers think that a genetic aspect may cause the disorder to be present in some families. However, while certain individuals might be genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder, not everyone with a family history of the condition will develop it. Environmental factors such as gender, stress, and alcohol or substance abuse are also believed to contribute to the emergence of bipolar disorder.

Genetic Predispositions

If a first-degree relative, like a parent or sibling, has bipolar disorder, your risk of developing the disorder may be higher. For numerous people, initial symptoms typically manifest during adolescence or early adulthood. While bipolar disorder can be diagnosed at any age, the average age of onset is 25.

Gender

Although bipolar disorder affects men and women equally, some symptoms are more specific to each gender. For instance, women tend to experience rapid cycling mood episodes more frequently. They are also more prone to mixed and depressive episodes than men with the condition. Conversely, men may display symptoms such as anger, hostility, or aggression related to bipolar disorder.

Rapid cycling refers to mood cycle changes where an individual undergoes four or more episodes of mania or depression within a 12-month span. This swift shift in mood cycles is often likened by the person to an emotional rollercoaster. Emotions can fluctuate from high to low and vice versa within hours or days. During a rapid-cycling episode, the person may feel dangerously out of control. Rapid cycling may be more prevalent among those who have not received adequate treatment for the disorder.

Stress

Bipolar disorder impacts millions, including well-known individuals. Stress can be a risk factor for bipolar disorder. Those who reside in high-stress environments or work high-stress jobs may be more susceptible to the condition. Other factors, like physical or sexual abuse (particularly during early developmental stages) or the loss of a parent or other traumatic events, are also thought to elevate the risk of bipolar disorder later in life.

Alcohol Or Substance Abuse

While alcohol and other substances don't cause bipolar disorder, their consumption can accelerate the onset of symptoms and exacerbate mood episodes.

Identifying Bipolar Disorder

In the past, bipolar disorder was often mistaken for other mental health issues like schizophrenia or unipolar depression. Today, however, practitioners have a better comprehension of the illness and can recognize the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, enabling effective and safe treatment in most cases. Accurate diagnosis and treatment allow those with bipolar disorder to lead active, healthy lives.

There isn't a medical diagnostic test, such as blood tests or x-rays, to assist with bipolar disorder diagnosis. Nevertheless, scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider is a crucial first step. Your healthcare provider can conduct a physical examination and may order medical tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. If no other conditions are identified, a referral to a mental health professional might be provided to aid with diagnosis.

Bipolar Phases

Highs and lows associated with emotion are usually temporary for most people. People with bipolar disorder, however, experience more dramatic changes in mood. These shifts are often referred to as bipolar phases or bipolar episodes. Mood swings related to bipolar disorder shift from periods of mania to periods of depression. These episodes are described as manic, hypomanic, or depressive states, depending on the individual’s mood or behavior. Bipolar mood swings may happen at any time, without warning, and may last for long periods of time.

Mania is characterized by the excitement that manifests as mental and physical hyperactivity, the elevation of mood, and disorganized behavior. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. During episodes of hypomania, mood and energy levels are heightened, but they are not “out of control.” The depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are very similar to those of other major depressive episodes. Individuals may experience significant sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or weight.

Understanding Manic Episodes Of Bipolar Disorder

The way bipolar disorder symptoms manifest, the duration of symptoms, and the overall effect on a person may vary greatly from person to person. The manic symptoms of bipolar disorder may be especially difficult for some people to understand as people may react differently during these episodes. For example, when manic episodes occur, one person may experience mania or hypomania episodes with feelings of frustration or irritability, while another may exhibit a decreased need for sleep, accelerated thinking, or hyperactivity.

When manic symptoms of bipolar disorder emerge, it’s not uncommon for one to experience feelings of creativity, heightened energy, or euphoria. Some people may feel they are destined for greatness or are invincible.

While the overall feeling of increased energy and euphoria may feel good at first, manic episodes can cause a spiral in emotions. For instance, during this phase, some people engage in dangerous or inappropriate behavior. They may become sexually promiscuous, gamble, or go on spending sprees. Some people are easily angered, may start fights or lash out at others, or blame those who criticize their behavior.

Some common symptoms of manic episodes include:

• Sleeping less, but feeling extremely energetic
• Racing thoughts that jump from one subject to another quickly
• Talking rapidly (so much so that others may not be able to follow what is being said)
• Difficulty concentrating, easily distracted
• Feeling unusually optimistic or euphoric or feeling extremely irritable
• Impaired judgment or impulsive behavior
• Hallucinations or delusions (in severe cases)

Warning Signs That Indicate Bipolar Mania Episodes

Typically, people can experience emotional changes and move from one mood to another without difficulty. People with bipolar disorder, however, have more difficulty moving from one phase or mood than others. Recognizing potential warning signs of bipolar disorder is essential for knowing when to seek help. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms of mania that may be associated with bipolar disorder, make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss any possible causes.

Bipolar Stages

For most individuals, emotional highs and lows are generally short-lived. However, people with bipolar disorder undergo more dramatic mood fluctuations. These changes are often called bipolar stages or bipolar episodes. Mood swings linked to bipolar disorder transition from periods of mania to periods of depression. These episodes are labeled as manic, hypomanic, or depressive states, depending on the person's mood or behavior. Bipolar mood swings can occur without warning and may persist for extended durations.

Mania is marked by excitement that presents as mental and physical hyperactivity, elevated mood, and disorganized behavior. Hypomania is a milder form of mania. In hypomanic episodes, mood and energy levels are elevated, but they are not "out of control." Depressive symptoms related to bipolar disorder closely resemble those of other major depressive episodes. Individuals may experience considerable sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or weight.

Comprehending Manic Episodes Of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder symptoms can manifest differently, last for varying lengths of time, and have diverse effects on individuals. Some people may find the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder particularly challenging to understand, as reactions during these episodes can differ significantly. For instance, when manic episodes arise, one person may experience mania or hypomania episodes characterized by frustration or irritability, while another might display a reduced need for sleep, rapid thinking, or hyperactivity.

During the emergence of manic symptoms of bipolar disorder, it's not unusual for individuals to experience feelings of creativity, increased energy, or euphoria. Some people may feel destined for greatness or invincibility.

Although the overall sensation of heightened energy and euphoria may initially feel positive, manic episodes can lead to an emotional downward spiral. For example, during this phase, some individuals engage in risky or inappropriate behavior, such as becoming sexually promiscuous, gambling, or going on spending sprees. Some people are easily angered, initiate fights or lash out at others, or blame those who criticize their behavior.

Some typical symptoms of manic episodes include:

• Sleeping less but feeling extremely energetic
• Racing thoughts that quickly shift from one subject to another
• Talking rapidly (to the extent that others may struggle to follow the conversation)
• Difficulty concentrating and being easily distracted
• Feeling unusually optimistic or euphoric, or extremely irritable
• Impaired judgment or impulsive behavior
• Hallucinations or delusions (in severe cases)

Warning Indicators Of Bipolar Mania Episodes

Generally, people can undergo emotional changes and transition from one mood to another with ease. However, individuals with bipolar disorder face greater difficulty moving between phases or moods. Identifying potential warning signs of bipolar disorder is crucial for determining when to seek help. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the following symptoms of mania that could be related to bipolar disorder, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss potential causes.

Individuals with bipolar disorder frequently experience excessive ambition during the manic phase of the condition. During manic episodes, productivity appears remarkable. However, as the manic episode transitions into a depressive state, concentrating on the task at hand often becomes challenging, leaving numerous projects unfinished.

Manic episodes usually involve extremely high energy levels that may be accompanied by hazardous behavior. For instance, a person experiencing a manic episode might believe they can achieve a seemingly impossible task. They might undertake multiple tasks simultaneously, convinced they can complete them without help. Although the idea seems good at the moment, when the mood shifts, the person can feel overwhelmed and/or disheartened, potentially exacerbating the subsequent depression.

Manic episodes can induce intense anger, irritability, or aggression that is uncharacteristic for the individual.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Because bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing condition, long-term treatment is necessary, even when symptoms are not apparent.

Treatment options for bipolar disorder include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

The medication used to treat bipolar disorder may vary based on the type of disorder and the severity of symptoms. It is essential to note that medication therapy is typically not a stand-alone treatment for bipolar disorder. Your primary care provider will likely refer the treatment of bipolar disorder to a mental health professional and collaborate with them to manage it.

Psychotherapy, often called "talk therapy," involves learning about mood changes and how to cope with them effectively. Therapists can help educate clients and their family/significant others about bipolar disorder and teach ways to be supportive during episodes. Psychotherapy also focuses on recognizing potential triggers for episode changes and ways to avoid them.

Behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that adopts an action-oriented approach to mental health treatment. Other kinds of talk therapy include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In dialectical behavioral therapy, individuals learn to accept their beliefs and behaviors and concentrate on developing healthy responses to mood and behavior. CBT helps individuals identify and change unhealthy beliefs, behaviors, and inaccurate perceptions about themselves or others. It aims to teach healthy ways of responding to anxiety, insecurity, and mood changes.

Seeking Help For Bipolar Disorder

Even what some people might consider "minor" symptoms of bipolar disorder can significantly impact the person experiencing them. If you or someone you know is displaying any symptoms of bipolar disorder or if you are concerned about mood changes, consult with your physician. A visit to your primary care provider is the first crucial step in obtaining help to minimize symptoms.

If mental health services are needed, various options are available to access these services. For instance, individual counseling can be arranged at a local mental health clinic or a private therapist's office. While some people are comfortable with in-person consultations and follow-up appointments, others are not. If you feel that face-to-face therapy sessions are not suitable for you at the moment, alternative options such as online counseling are available.

Summary

Studies have shown online counseling options are an emerging trend that is gaining popularity among individuals seeking mental health care while maintaining control over the timing and method of assistance. Services such as ReachLink focus on offering convenient, affordable support wherever you have access to a phone or internet connection. Licensed counselors collaborate with you to create a care plan tailored to your needs.