To be diagnosed, symptoms must not be substance induced.
Theyre defined as at least four days of more moderate but disruptive symptoms.
Sometimesbut not alwaysbipolar 1 also causes depressive episodes in which everything feels low.
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As the name suggests, the latter are periods in which you have both depressive and manic symptoms.
Some also experience rapid cycling, which is defined as having four or more mood episodes within a year.
Between these, people return to their baseline mood, behavior, and functions.
Substance abuse problems are more prevalent with bipolar 2 disorder.
As with bipolar 1, some experience rapid cycling.
They can trigger mood episodes, make them more severe, and get in the way of treatment.
Other studies found that men had higher rates of rapid cycling and suicidal thoughts.
As a result, bipolar disorder in women is more likely to be misdiagnosed as clinical depression.
Teens vs.
Adults
There also are differences in how bipolar disorder presents based on age.
In addition, children and teenagers are more likely to experience rapid cycling.
Some studies found teenagers were more likely to have depressive episodes as the first sign of bipolar disorder.
Because bipolar disorder is a lifelong conditionand because of the risk of medication side effectsthe condition requires consistent monitoring.
Medications
Severalmedicationshelp with both manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder and are the frontline treatment option.
Healthcare providers treat depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder with combination therapiesoften Depakote, lithium, and Seroquel.
Depending on any co-occurring conditions, you may be prescribed medications for comorbid sleep problems and anxiety.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
In rare and severe cases, healthcare providers consider electroconvulsive therapy.
In this therapy, electrical shocks delivered to the brain create a kind of controlled seizure.
This eases the symptoms of both depressive and manic episodes.
Lifestyle Changes
Specific lifestyle changes are an additional means of managing triggers and symptom severity.
Treatments for this condition range from medications and therapy to lifestyle changes.
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