10 Myths vs Facts About Bipolar Disorder You Should Stop Believing Today!

26 Nov 10 Myths vs Facts About Bipolar Disorder You Should Stop Believing Today!

Common myths and facts about bipolar disorder can lead to stigma and misinformation. It’s crucial to separate fact from fiction.

Bipolar illness is a mental disorder where the individual experiences mood alterations, and such changes are extreme, whether it is a low or a high mood.

Unfortunately, these individuals often suffer from stigma and misconceptions, which are barriers in accessing the help that they need.

In this post, we will explore common myths and the truths behind them. Together, we can foster a better understanding of bipolar disorder.

Let’s dive into 10 myths vs facts about bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder Definition

Bipolar disorder is a serious and chronic mental illness characterized by abnormally elevated or depressed mood, energy levels, and overall activity.

These variations exceed the ordinary emotional highs and lows and can often cripple functioning, relationships, and quality of life.

It is a grave misconception about bipolar disorder that it is simply about “mood swings or tides.”

On the contrary, it is a medically diagnosable, treatable and an encompassing burden to one’s health.

The presence and severity of the manifestations of bipolar disorder differs from one individual to another, indicating the importance of recognizing its defining features from within.

Awareness is crucial for the individuals who suffer from the disorder and their family members in order to know and act in regard to the available and effective options for the treatment of the disease.

Key Characteristics of Bipolar Disorder

For effective diagnosis and treatment of Bipolar disorder, it’s really important for you to understand its key characteristics.

This condition often manifests differently in individuals, making personalized approaches essential for management.

Lets’s explore the specific symptoms, types, and the impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones.

1. Manic Episodes

Manic episodes refer to those phases during which the mood is lifted, energy is high and possible actions or behaviours are dramatically altered.

Manic episodes can present themselves in the following forms:

• Elevated mood: One might experience a feeling of excitement, excessive self-assurance, or an out of the ordinary sense of hopefulness.
• Excessive energy: It is common for the individual to experience periods of high activity where he/she feels compelled to work, often to the point of fatigue.
• Heightened self-confidence: They may possess an overrated sense of capacities, thinking that one can do anything without care of the outcomes.
• Impulsivity: The manifestations of mania include sudden changes in behaviour pattern, for example, spending extravagantly, engaging in risk-taking behaviour or doing otherwise dangerous things.
• Irritability: There are those who instead of feeling ecstatic experience feelings of irritation or anger.
• Decreased need for sleep: Even though they’ve slept really poorly or not at all, they usually don’t feel tired and will maintain a high level of performances.
• Rapid speech and thoughts: During mania, an individual may exhibit a tendency to speak at a very high speed, or may also have a rather erratic flow of thoughts, where concentration on one subject may determine a rapid transition to another subject altogether.

Although specific features of mania may appear useful, they may also have adverse effects such as causing debts, complicated interpersonal connections or even trouble with the law.

2. Depressive Episodes

Contrary to manic periods, depressive episodes are characterised by an enduring feeling of sadness accompanied by loss of drive. Such episodes can be quite severe and affect day to day functioning.

Some symptoms are:

• Intense sadness or hopelessness: A person can be engulfed in deep feelings of powerlessness or hopelessness.
• Loss of interest: Pursuits that were previously encompassing pleasure- like hobbies, meeting people, or even going to work, might seem to lose their lustre.
• Fatigue or low energy: Even the simplest of tasks may seem cumbersome resulting in lowered output.
• Changes in appetite or weight: Certain people exhibit a marked increase or decrease in eating habits, resulting in evident weight variations.
• Difficulty concentrating: It can sometimes be difficult to concentrate on activities or make informed choices. Disturbances in sleep patterns: People may experience hypersomnia where they enjoy excessive sleep or insomnia where they can’t seem to sleep.

Episodes of depression can last for several weeks or even months making it difficult for a person to perform duties that involve work, school or even socialisation.

3. Mixed Episodes

Episodes of mood disorders mix up both mania and depression and occur very closely one after the other. Such episodes are usually among the most difficult to diagnose and treat.

Common experiences during a mixed episode include:

• Conflicting emotions: A person can experience feelings of despair while at the same time feeling excessive happiness causing perplexity and agitation.
• Increased energy with depressive thoughts: People may become upset or unable to sit still and at the same time, feel miserable or useless.
• Risky behaviour combined with regret: Acts of impulse can, at times, incur guilt or self-reproach afterward.
• Severe emotional distress: Experiencing both mania and depression at the same time can raise the chances of one harming oneself or having suicidal ideation.

Mixed episodes are often multifaceted and misunderstood. Active and efficient coping mechanisms are necessary for treatment and management.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that has several forms and different levels of profoundness.

There are various types of disorders that naturally affect the patient’s mood, energy, and ability to function.

1. Bipolar I Disorder

According to criteria, a manic episode would be defined as requiring at least seven days or reasons for hospitalisation.

Such episodes may consist of symptoms such as exaggerated positive affect, increased activity or energy level, and irritability.

There may be depressive episodes, but such episodes are not necessary for the diagnosis. This particular type is usually the most extreme type of bipolar disorder.

2. Bipolar II Disorder

Hypomanic episodes are part of this disorder, and hypomania is less severe than mania.

Main depressive episodes are included which are typically time consuming and severe.

In bipolar II disorder patients, hypomania may be less frequent than depression and dysthymia states.

In bipolar II disorder, however, hypomania does not result in distress or necessitate hospital care unlike in bipolar I disorder.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder

Impulsive bouts of elation and depression that alternates the given situation, but does not fulfil the full criteria for bipolar I or II disorders.

The symptoms should be present for a minimum shelf period of two years in adults and one year in children and teenagers.

Although less severe, cyclothymic disorder does nevertheless bring about difficulties in everyday functioning and interpersonal relations.

4. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar Disorders

This encompasses bipolar-like disorders that are not classified under bipolar I, bipolar II or cyclothymic disorder.

Such cases include those where the mood episodes are secondary to a medical condition or substance use.

It is very important to understand the categories of bipolar disorder for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

This allows the providers to tailor management plans that enhance the quality of life thanks to the specific patterns identified.

What Are Common Myths And Facts About Bipolar Disorder?

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about bipolar disorder, which enhances misunderstanding and stigma.

Such incorrect belief systems tend to dissuade people from noticing the symptoms, going for assistance or even supporting those who are ill.

When we debunk these bipolar myths vs facts, it is our intention to promote awareness about bipolar disorder.

So, let’s checkout what are some myths about bipolar disorder including 10 facts about bipolar disorder.

Myth 1: Bipolar Disorder is Just Mood Swings

Fact: Bipolar disorder is complex and therefore should not be generalised with normal variations in mood.

However, everyone experiences specific changes in moods periodically, and these mood swings are healthy. In cases of bipolar disorder, individuals manifest these changes as extreme episodes of manic or hypomanic depression, which entirely compromise their normal functioning.

Individuals in a manic or hypomanic phase might experience heightened levels of energy and accelerated thought processes, along with restlessness and an urge to act irrationally or recklessly, for example, through excessive shopping or drug consumption, among other behaviors.

Unlike the previous type, situational depression causes a host of feelings, including depression, low self-worth, fatigue, and an unwillingness to engage in activities that one previously enjoyed.

Myth 2: People with Bipolar Disorder Are Always Either Manic or Depressed

Fact: One of the most common myths is that individuals afflicted with bipolar disorder are always in a state of oscillation between episodes of mania and depression.

In fact, many individuals endure protracted durations of stability when they are functional and emotionally normal.

Stable periods can last for different lengths of time for different people and also for how effective the treatment is for them.

Appropriate treatment such as medication, therapy, and implementing healthy lifestyle changes can help increase these stable periods significantly.

Therefore, there is a need for continuous treatment and assistance.

Myth 3: Bipolar Disorder is Rare

Fact: Sure. In case you are wondering, not many people are aware that bipolar disorder seems to be more widespread than what they tend to think.

Approximately 2.6% of the global population suffers from this disorder every year, translating into millions of individuals.

This highlights the importance of more awareness and more funding towards the treatment of the illness.

The condition is also fairly common, as many people suffer from it.

However, many people remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with the condition, and that is particularly why we need correct information and the right treatment on time.

Myth 4: Mania is Always a Happy, Energetic State

Fact: There is a common misinterpretation about mania that it is associated with extreme joy and high energy and this is not always true.

Some people might feel happiness and an exaggerated sense of well-being, but mania can also be experienced as a range of other feelings, such as frustration, restlessness, or even rage.

Engaging in intense mania and/or manic tendencies can promote risk-taking behaviours and poor decision-making, for example:

• Betting beyond one’s limit.
• Practising unprotected sex.
• Indulging in buying sprees or uncontrollable spending.

These behaviours can result in adverse effects, causing distress to the person and their relationships.

Furthermore, the dip that occurs after a mania episode can be both psychologically and physically exhausting, provoking sorrow and remorse.

Myth 5: Only Adults Can Have Bipolar Disorder

Fact: Another myths About bipolar disorder is that this mental disorder is not limited to adults only; it can also prune in children and teenagers as well.

In adolescents, it can often be confused and misinterpreted as either attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depressive disorders, resulting in delayed treatment.

Health professionals usually diagnose most cases of this disorder during late teens or early adulthood, but monitoring for symptoms in younger individuals can help detect this condition at an earlier age, leading to better intervention outcomes.

Myth 6: Bipolar Disorder is Caused by a Bad Childhood or Poor Parenting

Fact: Environmental aspects may influence one’s mental state, but one cannot attribute the injury that leads to the development of bipolar disorder to bad upbringing or negative events that occur during childhood.

It is a condition that is more than one simple explanation:

• Genetics: Risk of developing bipolar disorder is substantially higher in individuals with a family history of the illness.
• Biological factors: Perhaps, there is a possibility that structural differences in areas of the brain involved in regulation of mood, along with chemical imbalances and disruptions within the human brain, may contribute to this condition.
• Environmental triggers: An occurrence of episodes can be induced by stressful life events or trauma, however these do not account for the primary cause.

Attributing one’s issues to their parents or childhood only places added guilt and stigma which strays from the actual requirement of medical attention and assistance.

Myth 7: Medication is the Only Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Fact: Though medication, such as mood stabilising drugs and antipsychotics, is important for controlling bipolar disorder, it is not the only treatment.

A broad strategy often consists of:

• Therapy: The benefit of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) lies in the focus on recognizing, controlling and acting upon the factors which trigger negative thoughts and behaviours, devising methods to endure stressful conditions and enhancing interpersonal connections.
• Lifestyle modifications: A stable sleeping routine as well as regular physical activities and avoidance of substances such as alcohol or drugs can help minimise the instances of mood episodes.
• Support systems: The love and support offered by family, close friends, and support teamwork can be beneficial.

The most favourable results are achieved by the treatment aspired to fulfil the specific needs of the patient.

Myth 8: People with Bipolar Disorder Cannot Lead Successful Lives

Fact: Interesting facts about bipolar disorder is that individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder tend to attain personal and professional ambitions with great success.

The condition does not limit abilities or potential of a person.

Famous examples include:

• Carrie Fisher: An actress and writer who utilised her status to highlight issues surrounding mental health.
• Stephen Fry: A humorist and author who has candidly documented his experience with bipolar disorder.

This shows that these are the kinds of things which people diagnosed with bipolar disorder can overcome, and helps affirm that, yes, it is possible to be successful.

Myth 9: Bipolar Disorder Means a Person is Unpredictable and Dangerous

Fact: The notion that all people suffering from bipolar disorder are aggressive and even hazardous to society is dangerous and false. The majority of these individuals are neither violent nor erratic.

They are more often on the receiving end of mistreatment and prejudice than the ones causing it.

It is damaging to portray them as a threat as this encourages harmful perceptions, which inhibits the very individuals that need help from reaching out.

Myth 10: Bipolar Disorder Can Be Cured

Fact: Treatment exists for bipolar disorder; however, doctors can effectively control it with several medications and strategies.

• Pharmacotherapy helps in controlling mood disturbances.
• Psychotherapy helps in dealing with difficult life situations and forming new strategies.
• Sustaining such connections helps in lowered motivation striving and in combating loneliness.

Effective treatment often allows for an individual to live a worthwhile and rewarding life and manage their condition concurrently.

By debunking these common myths and facts of bipolar disorder, we can work towards reducing stigma and increasing understanding.

It’s crucial to remember that bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, and with proper treatment and support, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives.

Conclusion – Bipolar Disorder Myths and Facts

Doctors can treat bipolar disorder, a complex mental health condition that is non-life threatening.

Some steps in this direction are facts and myths about bipolar disorder which is important to create compassion and encourage affected people to ask for assistance.

Bipolar disorder or any other behavioural conditions ought to be treated by Neuropsychiatrist in patna as soon as the signs are noted.

What is more, it is worth mentioning that early-stage health resorts with individual health programs can work wonders.