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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious and debilitating mental illness characterized by extreme feelings and mood swings. People with bipolar disorder can experience periods of euphoria, heightened-energy, and clarity, followed by a “crash,” which can include intense depression, fatigue, and suicidal ideation. The “highs” of bipolar disorder often involve manic episodes, characterized by racing thoughts and engagement in high-risk activities such as shopping sprees, driving recklessly, and impulsive sexual behavior.

If you live with bipolar disorder, you are not alone. As the National Institute of Mental Health points out, an estimated 2.8% of people experience bipolar disorder. Of those with bipolar, 82.9% are severely impaired by the disorder, the highest rate of serious impairment among mental health conditions. Bipolar disorder also comes with a higher risk of suicide, with 25%-50% of sufferers attempting suicide at least once.

These statistics highlight why it is vital for bipolar disorder to be taken seriously, and those with the condition receive treatment, which often must be ongoing. Early diagnosis and treatment can go a long way in managing the symptoms of bipolar, thus seeking help early is recommended. Medication — combined with cognitive, behavioral or interpersonal therapy — is the most common treatment plan used by people with bipolar disorder. 

Read More
Published on: 19 Nov 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C

Bipolar Disorder in Men: Signs, Symptoms, Tips, & Treatment

Published on: 19 Nov 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Written byJill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Nov 19, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
Bipolar disorder is characterized by major shifts in energy and mood changes that are so severe they impact…
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Published on: 17 Nov 2021
  • 8 minute read

Medications to Treat Bipolar Disorder

Published on: 17 Nov 2021
  • Written byDr. Muhammad Munir, MD
  • Nov 17, 2021
If you have bipolar disorder, medication may be an essential component of your bipolar disorder treatment plan as…
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Published on: 28 Sep 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C

How to Know if You Might Have Bipolar Disorder: Signs & Symptoms

Published on: 28 Sep 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Written byAshley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Sep 28, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
Finding an answer to the question: how do I know if I have bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming.…
woman in jeans holding her legs
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Published on: 22 Sep 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC

Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar Disorder

Published on: 22 Sep 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Written byAshley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Sep 22, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
Borderline personality disorder vs. bipolar disorder — what’s the difference? What are the symptoms? What options are available…
sad man looking at iPad
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Published on: 22 Sep 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R

Bipolar Disorder vs. Depression: How Do They Differ?

Published on: 22 Sep 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Written byAshley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Sep 22, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
Bipolar disorder and depression are similar in a number of ways, including several shared symptoms. In fact, some…
woman lying on sofa
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Published on: 29 Dec 2020
  • 6 minute read

Everything You Need to Know About Manic Episodes

Published on: 29 Dec 2020
  • Written byDarcey Pittman
  • Dec 29, 2020
We might all enjoy the feeling of an elevated mood from time to time, but for those who…
man looking at himself in mirror
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Published on: 26 Dec 2020
  • 7 minute read

What Is Bipolar 1 Disorder and How Is It Treated?

Published on: 26 Dec 2020
  • Written byDarcey Pittman
  • Dec 26, 2020
Experiencing emotional highs and lows is a normal part of being human. For those with bipolar disorder though,…
manic depression, bipolar disorder
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Published on: 02 May 2020
  • 6 minute read

What is Manic Depression?

Published on: 02 May 2020
  • Written byMarris Adikwu
  • May 02, 2020
Everyone experiences changes in mood from time to time. It’s normal to have days where you feel sad,…
A woman holds a phone with a smile image in front of her mouth
Read More
Published on: 05 Jan 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
  • 5 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC

4 Different Types of Bipolar Disorder, and How They’re Treated

Published on: 05 Jan 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
  • Written byLadan Nikravan Hayes
  • Jan 05, 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
Updated on 1/10/2022 According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are four major categories of bipolar disorder: bipolar…
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Published on: 05 Jan 2018
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC

How Bipolar Disorder Affects Relationships

Published on: 05 Jan 2018
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
  • Written byNatasha Tracy
  • Jan 05, 2018
Clinically Reviewed by Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
Updated on 9/29/21 Bipolar disorder can sometimes seem devastating, not only for the person who’s diagnosed with it…

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