Can Bipolar Disorder Be Cured?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can cause dramatic mood swings.1 National Library of Medicine. Bipolar disorder. Medline Plus.  Someone with bipolar disorder may experience highs and lows, known as mania and depression respectively, that are far more pronounced than the ups and downs most people typically experience.2 It is estimated that 4.4% of adults in the United States experience bipolar … Read more

What Is Therapy for Bipolar Disorder?

What Is Therapy for Bipolar Disorder? Medication is the mainstay for treating bipolar disorder, but the most successful and durable treatment involves a combination of both medication and therapy. Effective therapies for bipolar disorder include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Group psychoeducation and peer-support programs are also useful therapies for bipolar … Read more

Can Bipolar Disorder Cause Brain Damage?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by swings between depressive and manic behavior.1  If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you might wonder how the condition affects your brain. In short, bipolar disorder can affect your brain. For instance, bipolar disorder is linked to lower amounts of grey matter in the brain. This article … Read more

Is Bipolar Disorder Caused By a Chemical Imbalance?

A chemical imbalance can cause bipolar disorder. Genetics is also a key contributor to bipolar disorder. Though this mental illness can be challenging and complicated for loved ones to understand, effective treatment can lead to a full and healthy life. How a Chemical Imbalance Can Lead to Bipolar Disorder Aside from genetics, a common cause of bipolar … Read more

What It’s Like Living with a Mood Disorder, As a Mental Health Professional

I’m a licensed social worker who has been living with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type for over a decade. Schizoaffective disorder is basically like if schizophrenia and bipolar disorder had a baby—I experience psychotic symptoms (like hallucinations and delusions) as well as mood symptoms (like depression and mania). Mood disorders can be upsetting and scary, both for those living with … Read more

Hypomania vs. Mania: What’s the Difference?

Mania involves extreme, elevated changes in mood, emotions, energy, and activity levels that occur in people with bipolar disorder. Hypomania is a form of mania that involves the same symptoms but is milder and usually shorter in duration. At a Glance Mania and hypomania involve similar symptoms, but they differ in terms of severity and … Read more

What Is a Labile Affect?

Labile affect is a condition that affects how a person expresses their emotions. A person with this condition might display or show inappropriate emotions in specific situations. For instance, you might find them laughing or smiling at a funeral or during a sad occasion. Labile affect is also characterized by sudden and noticeable mood swings. At a … Read more

What’s the Difference Between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder?

What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is marked by periods of extreme mood swings, including manic or hypomanic episodes, and often involves periods of depression. Although having a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder does not guarantee that someone will develop these symptoms, there is a strong genetic component to this diagnosis.1 Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition, … Read more

Are There Different Types of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition characterized by distinct periods of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable moods, often alternating with depressive moods. Contrary to popular belief, there is more than one type of bipolar disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), there are five types of bipolar and related disorders, each defined by the presence, … Read more

Can Bipolar Disorder Show Up in a Brain Scan?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder that impacts at least 4.4% of Americans.1 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Bipolar disorder statistics.  This mental condition features pronounced bouts of depression and mania. While it is challenging to live with, the proper treatment protocol can support those with this diagnosis and help them achieve a great quality of life. Bipolar … Read more