Debunking 5 Bipolar Myths

Bipolar disorder, formerly termed manic depression, is a mental health condition that manifests with extreme shifts in mood, from episodes of mania (extreme highs) to episodes of depression (extreme lows).

Bipolar disorder isn’t uncommon. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 2.8% of US adults — approximately 5 million people — have received a bipolar disorder diagnosis. You’re more likely to develop bipolar disorder if a close family member has it, indicating a possible genetic cause; however, a family history doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it. Sometimes, the structure of the brain makes a person susceptible to environmental triggers, including extreme stress, trauma, and physical illness, which activate the genetic component.

At Sidhu Psychiatric in Palm Harbor, Florida, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Kanwaljit “Kavi” Sidhu NP-C, PMHNP-BC, and her team understand how difficult it can be to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. That’s why they offer a combination of medication management and psychotherapy, which works to alleviate symptoms and help keep you on an even keel.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of urban myths floating around that may interfere with getting treatment. Here, we present five of those myths, and the facts that debunk them.

Myth No. 1: You’re just moody; you’ll snap out of it

FACT: The highs and lows of bipolar disorder result from alterations in the neurochemistry of your brain. That means you can’t just “will it away.” You need to see a psychiatrist who understands the disorder and can help you with medication and lifestyle management.

Myth No. 2: Bipolar disorder happens in regular cycles

FACT: Bipolar disorder is anything but consistent. An episode may vary widely from the one before or the one after — there’s no regular pattern.

Symptoms may pop up every so often, frequently but irregularly, or frequently and regularly; it depends on the individual. And the nature of the episodes can vary, too, with highs and lows manifesting along a spectrum of possibilities.

You can also experience both mania and depression together — you feel hopeless and sad but also energized. It’s kind of a crap shoot.

Myth No. 3: It’s a single disorder

FACT: Bipolar disorder exists along a spectrum of symptoms, but most symptoms fall into one of three categories:

1. Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I consists of periods of intense highs and equally intense lows. Manic episodes are periods where you’re perpetually hyper and impulsive. They last a minimum of seven days, but often longer, and they may be so severe you end up in the hospital for care. You may also go through depressive episodes lasting two weeks or more. People with bipolar I can have manic episodes by themselves or both manic and depressive episodes at the same time.

2. Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II also consists of periods of depression and elevated mood, but the highs aren’t as severe as those in bipolar I.

3. Cyclothymic disorder

Patients may cycle between the highs and lows rapidly, but the episodes tend to be milder than with the other two forms.

Myth No. 4: You can get a test to determine if you have bipolar disorder

FACT: No blood or imaging test as yet can reveal if you have bipolar disorder. To determine the diagnosis, your provider takes a complete medical history, reviews your symptoms, conducts a physical exam, and may order some lab tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.

To confirm a bipolar disorder diagnosis, they will check the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), which is the psychiatric “bible.” This ensures your symptoms match those listed for the different types of the disorder.

Myth No. 5: There is no way to treat bipolar disorder

FACT: No, there isn’t a cure, but there are many ways to manage this illness. Often the best course is a combination of medications and some form of psychotherapy. Medications may include:

Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, to even things out
Antidepressants to manage low moods
Antimanic drugs to prevent extreme highs

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can help you keep your symptoms in check. We teach you how to:

Avoid triggers, both for highs and lows
Find needed support (e.g., doctors, friends, support groups)
Spot when your symptoms get worse

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be quite helpful. It teaches you how to respond to triggers and other emotional problems in more positive and healthier ways.

To learn more about bipolar disorder, or to schedule a consultation for treatment, call Sidhu Psychiatric at 727-382-1383 or contact us online today.