A Comprehensive Study on Bipolar Disorder

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• Posted On June 11, 2025

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can affect people regardless of age and sex. It is a condition where the victim experiences radical mood changes, which is one of the biggest reasons why this illness was formerly referred to as ‘manic depression.’

No matter how grave it sounds, it is not that rare and incurable an illness. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 2.8% of the U.S population is affected by this condition! This accounts for about 5 million people getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the U.S!

Let’s explore this blog till the end to find out more about bipolar disorder symptoms, types, and treatments, to understand the condition well enough, and stay aware.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

So, what exactly happens to a person who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder? And are there any differences between bipolar disorder symptoms in men and women?

Let’s start with the first question. Here are some of the core symptoms that can help you understand that an individual might have bipolar disorder-

• Phases of intense excitement or elevated mood.
• Phases of intense depression, or low mood.

Now, coming to the second question, bipolar disorder symptoms in females and males do differ significantly! While manic episodes and resultant drug abuse are common scenarios among men, women usually suffer from major depressive phases, which include disorders in eating habits, anxiety issues, and thyroid diseases.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I

Individuals diagnosed with Bipolar I type usually experience at least one elevated or lowered manic episode that lasts for weeks, or is so severe that they need medical attention.

The person might also experience hypomanic phases, which can result in minor disruptions like difficulty focusing or impulsive behavior.

Bipolar II

Individuals diagnosed with Bipolar II type are more prone to experience a major depressive phase lasting for at least a couple of weeks. Along with this, they might also experience hypomanic episodes that last for about 4 days.

A study published by the National Library of Medicine shows that Bipolar II types are more commonly diagnosed among females than males.

Cyclothymia

People diagnosed with cyclothymic  type experience symptoms of hypomania and depression. However, they aren’t as intense as people diagnosed with the I or II types! People with Cyclothymic conditions can even go one or two months without experiencing any kind of symptoms.

What are the Treatment Options?

Bipolar disorder is a curable condition! And often, the best results are churned out from a combination of medications and therapies.

Also, since bipolar disorder is a mental condition, indulging in self-care is one of the best ways you can adapt to improve your overall well-being.

That being said, let’s look at the different treatment options for people experiencing bipolar disorder-

Medications

Some of the most recommended medications for bipolar disorder are mood stabilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety medications.

Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychoeducation are some of the most popular bipolar disorder treatments without medication.

Lifestyle Changes

Changes in lifestyle like establishing a consistent sleep schedule, being on a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and meditation/ yoga, etc., are some of the natural treatments for bipolar disorder.

To Conclude

If you or your close ones are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, don’t worry! Even though the label of ‘mental condition’ does seem to be scary, proper treatments and lifestyle changes can help. While bipolar disorder cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed, and you will get a chance to live a healthy life if you follow these tips! If you’re passionate about sharing insights or personal experiences on this topic, we invite you to write for us health and help others navigate their journey.   

Theresa Perez

Theresa Perez is a seasoned writer for the health industry dedicated to providing fact-based health information. She sources concise facts from authoritative sources to ensure maximum credibility and shares guidelines to lead a healthy lifestyle.