Bipolar mood disorder, once called bipolar depression or manic depression is a challenging mental health condition characterized by intense emotional highs and lows. These peaks and valleys are much more pronounced than the usual shifts in mood most people experience. There is more than one type of bipolar disorder diagnosis, but the two most well-known are bipolar I and bipolar II.
This mental health article from The Living Room explains the differences between bipolar I and bipolar II and more about bipolar disorder treatment.
How Do Bipolar I and Bipolar II Differ From One Another?
Bipolar I disorder requires at least one full-blown manic episode, which is a very high-energy period that often lasts a week or more and may need hospitalization. In contrast, bipolar II disorder never reaches that level of mania—it has hypomania, a milder and shorter (at least four days) elevated mood, paired with a major depressive episode that lasts at least two weeks. Both conditions benefit greatly from bipolar disorder treatment.
Managing Bipolar I Disorder
People with bipolar I generally need to follow a regimen of medications and lifestyle adjustments in order to manage their condition successfully. Non-compliance with medication management is one of the most common triggers for people with bipolar I. It is vital for people with this condition to follow recommendations for their own safety. With medication management and a carefully structured lifestyle designed to minimize triggers, people with bipolar I can avoid many, if not most severe episodes.
Managing Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II is often a challenging condition for clinicians to diagnose. Bipolar II is tricky because the “high” periods—called hypomanic episodes—are less obvious than full-blown mania, so they often go unnoticed or are mistaken for normal energy or enthusiasm. Most people seek treatment only when they’re depressed, leading doctors to diagnose depression instead of bipolar II. Managing it is also delicate. Treatments must balance easing depression without triggering hypomania, and individual responses to medication can vary a lot, meaning it often takes time to find the right mix.
What Other Types of Bipolar Mood Disorders Are There?
While bipolar I and II are the most commonly seen bipolar mood disorders, they aren’t the only ones. Here are some of the less commonly seen bipolar types and features.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia):
Cyclothymic Disorder is a milder, long-term condition with frequent mood swings that do not reach the full intensity of manic or major depressive episodes. These fluctuations last for at least two years, subtly affecting everyday functioning and well-being. Like bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder can be very challenging to diagnose.
Bipolar Disorder with Mixed Features:
Bipolar Disorder with Mixed Features is characterized by symptoms of both mania and depression occurring simultaneously within a single episode. Conflicting feelings, such as high energy paired with hopelessness, may make diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder:
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder isn’t a separate diagnosis, per se, but a pattern where a person experiences four or more mood episodes within a year. The frequent shifts between manic, hypomanic, or depressive states complicate treatment and disrupt daily routines.
Seasonal Bipolar Disorder:
Like the rapid cycling described above, Seasonal Bipolar Disorder isn’t a separate diagnosis—it refers to mood episodes that follow seasonal patterns. People may experience depression in fall and winter and increased energy in spring and summer. This is different from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression linked to reduced daylight.
How Are Bipolar I and II and Other Bipolar Disorders Treated?
While bipolar disorders can be challenging to live with, modern psychiatry has made great advances in treating these conditions. With accurate diagnosis, high-quality treatment and a willing and compliant patient, there is good reason for hope. Most bipolar disorders can be successfully managed with appropriate clinical support.
4 Primary Treatment Approaches for Bipolar Mood Disorders
1. Medications:
Medications such as mood stabilizers, are generally the front line in treating bipolar disorders, as symptom management is critical. Medicines can help balance mood swings and reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes. They are crucial for maintaining long-term stability and are supervised by a psychiatrist.
2. Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and family-focused therapy—guides patients in understanding their mood patterns, developing coping skills, and improving relationships. Regular sessions help with symptom management and enhance adherence to overall treatment plans.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments and Self-Management:
Lifestyle changes, like maintaining regular sleep, a balanced diet, exercise, and stress reduction practices, support bipolar management. Establishing a consistent daily routine, avoiding known triggers, and practicing mindfulness can empower patients to reduce episode risks and improve well-being.
4. Psychoeducation and Support Networks:
Educating patients and families about bipolar disorder improves understanding and management of the condition. Support groups, community resources, and educational programs boost treatment adherence and provide emotional assistance, helping individuals feel supported while managing symptoms.
Final Thoughts on Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar mood disorders, like Bipolar I and II can dramatically shape a person’s lived experience. But, they can be managed successfully with the right clinical support. The most important thing to remember for any person with bipolar, or their loved one, is that balance, order and routine are essential. Living well with bipolar is possible when medication routines are followed, trigger exposure is limited and peace and harmony abound.
Find Your Peace at The Living Room
The Living Room at Princeton is perhaps New Jersey’s most innovative outpatient mental health treatment program. Our unique blend of evidence-based clinical care methods is precisely balanced by our holistic approach to mental health. Our mission is simple. To both heal and empower the people entrusted to our care to manage their own conditions and to grow and heal.
Let’s talk about what The Living Room can do for you or the one you love, today.