FAQs About Bipolar Disorder
Learn more about bipolar disorder through these commonly asked questions:
You must select at least 1 question or "View All."
A1: |
Each phase of bipolar disorder—mania and depression—has its own set of symptoms. The main feature of mania is extreme happiness (euphoria) and/or extreme irritability along with several related symptoms. Depression includes feelings of sadness or numbness along with a loss of interest or pleasure in things you usually enjoy. People with bipolar disorder do not always experience manic and depressive symptoms equally. Read a full list of bipolar symptoms.  |
A2: |
Bipolar disorder affects people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that bipolar disorder affects more than 2 million American adults. Bipolar disorder usually starts to affect people in their late teens or early 20s. But there can be a huge range: Some people show symptoms in early childhood, while others may not have their first manic or depressive episode until they reach their 40s or 50s. Bipolar disorder affects both sexes in equal numbers, according to the NIMH. In men, the first bipolar episode tends to be a manic one, but women usually start with a depressive episode. As a result, many women with bipolar disorder are mistakenly given a diagnosis of clinical, or "unipolar," depression—a condition more common in women than men. |
A3: |
Researchers don't know exactly what causes bipolar disorder, though they have identified genes that appear to be related to the disease. In some people, the disease is hereditary. But in others, it appears for no apparent reason. While bipolar disorder can run in families, genetics do not completely explain who gets it and who does not. It is important to note that some people with the illness have no family history of bipolar disorder whatsoever. Heredity, however, may be a risk factor. Although stress does not cause bipolar disorder, it can be a contributing factor. |
A4: |
People with bipolar disorder often spend years suffering with their illness before they are properly diagnosed. In one study, nearly 70% of people with bipolar disorder surveyed said that they had been misdiagnosed. On average, they had seen 4 doctors before receiving the right diagnosis. Recent studies suggest that between 30% and 50% of people with bipolar disorder are currently going without treatment. The most important step in getting the right treatment for bipolar disorder is getting the right diagnosis. It can take many years for people with bipolar disorder to get an appropriate diagnosis. You can greatly increase your chances of getting a proper diagnosis by talking openly with your doctor about all your symptoms. Treatment for bipolar disorder usually includes medication and psychotherapy. Medication treats the illness directly, and psychotherapy provides the skills needed to manage it. |
A5: |
No. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. Even though people with the condition can experience long periods of feeling normal, the disorder will not actually go away. Staying on medication over the long haul is very important. Without it, symptoms will reappear and the illness will get worse. |
A6: |
Antipsychotic medicines are medications used to treat the episodes of bipolar disorder. Antipsychotic medicines are believed to work by balancing the chemicals naturally found in the brain. Antipsychotic medicines may improve symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as sleep disturbances, irritability, racing thoughts, and anxiety. Some antipsychotic medications are also prescribed to help control ongoing symptoms. Once you start taking antipsychotic medicine, keep in mind that it can take several weeks before you notice a difference in the way you feel. The time it takes to experience the full effects may vary from person to person, depending on individual symptoms and the dosage prescribed. |
A7: |
Unlike people with clinical, or "unipolar," depression, most people with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings between the "high" (manic) and "low" (depressive) symptoms of the illness. Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as depression because people commonly tell their doctors only about the depression and do not mention their manic symptoms. |
A8: |
No. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. Even though people with the condition can experience long periods of feeling normal, the disorder will not actually go away. Some people may feel that they are better and no longer need medication. The condition cannot be controlled on your own without medication. Staying on medication over the long haul is very important. Without medication, symptoms will reappear and the illness will get worse. With many illnesses, you can stop taking medication once you feel better. Bipolar disorder is different. Staying on your medication is an important factor in avoiding relapse. Work with your doctor to decide what the best treatment plan is for you. |
A9: |
If your symptoms do not improve or you are feeling worse, let your healthcare provider know. He or she may need to change how much medicine you are taking or change your medicine. If you are seeing progress, let your healthcare provider know that too. Celebrate your successes! Even the smallest successes can help you take the next step. |
A10: |
There are several mental health advocacy and support groups that can help you learn more about bipolar disorder and how it can be treated and managed. To see a list of these organizations, including, e-mail addresses and hours of operation where available, click here. |
A11: |
Early diagnosis and treatment is key to helping someone with bipolar disorder manage the illness and avoid more serious problems. If you think that someone you care about may have bipolar disorder, you should encourage this person to talk with a doctor. You can also suggest that they take the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and then review the results with their doctor. There may be situations in which people with bipolar disorder will need help from other people. Support for those with bipolar disorder can come from families, professional residential or day program caregivers, shelter operators, friends or roommates, case managers, or others in their communities or places of worship who are concerned about their welfare. |
