Your Brain on Bipolar Disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder typically find themselves stuck in a constant cycle of euphoria and depression. It can become difficult for an individual with this disorder to feel understood, or even carry out day-to-day activities during one of their episodes.
It’s important to realize that just like any other disorder, no two cases of bipolar are exactly the same. To make it simpler to understand, we’re going to look at these three basic types of bipolar that the National Institute of Mental Health recognizes:
Bipolar I: Manic episodes typically last at least 7 days or cause the patient to be hospitalized; depressive episodes usually last two weeks.
Bipolar II: Depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes are present, but hysteric manic episodes that occur in Bipolar I are not present.
Cyclothymic disorder: Hypomanic and depressive episodes last for at least 2 years, though if present in a child or teen, it may only last a year before receiving this diagnosis.
Click Here for More Details on Bipolar Disorder
What’s happening to me?
People who fit criteria for bipolar disorder may come to you with intense emotion. One day they may feel invincible and tell you about many reckless decisions they made, while also feeling jumpy and elated. The next, they may come to you feeling hopeless and powerless.
During depressive states, norepinephrine is low, but it’s extremely high in manic states. This neurochemical helps regulate arousal and focus, which explains the hypoactivity and hyperactivity in these retrospective states. Low serotonin levels contribute to these low states as well. Negative thinking can be altered through catching these thoughts and tackling them before they escalate more drastically.
Studies conducted on patients with bipolar disorder found that there was increased volume in the lateral ventricles, right-lateral ventricles, and third ventricle. The scientists also discovered that there was decreased cross-sectional matter in the callosum. However, high intensity was found in the frontal and parietal lobes.
Where do I go from here?
If you’re finding yourself or a loved one in a constant cycle of depression and mania, it may be worth seeking out professional treatment to help tackle the problem. You’re not alone: 2.3 million Americans are diagnosed with bipolar disorder. One person’s symptoms may be completely different from another’s, and the severity of the disorder can vary across a wide set of ranges.
Regardless, don’t allow yourself to be dragged down by the thought that you are suffering alone. There are always people available to talk here at RemedyLIVE’s 24-hour chat line when you text 494949. While not certified to diagnose your illnesses, our SoulMedics are amazing listeners and can help you take the next step toward finding a good treatment plan. If you think you or someone you love is struggling with bipolar disorder, try looking into one of these additional resources:
Written by Madi Turpin
