Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that often generates severe symptoms and serious dysfunction. Unfortunately, mental illnesses don’t always occur one at a time. An individual with a traumatic past plays a role in developing this illness, which is why a multifaceted medical and psychotherapeutic approach is required when treating bipolar disorder.
Can BPD be triggered by PTSD?
Bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represent two different mental health diagnoses, but they share enough symptoms that they often resemble each other.
CPTSD, or complex post-traumatic stress disorder, is PTSD that results from repeated, prolonged trauma, often started in childhood. Evidence suggests that PTSD can increase your chances of developing bipolar disorder.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. The main symptoms of bipolar disorder include soaring heights of emotional highs (mania) and crashing lows (depression).
There are 3 types of bipolar disorder. These types involve distinct fluctuations in actions, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic behaviors are known as hypomanic episodes.
- Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days (nearly every day for most of the day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression mixed with manic episodes occurring at the same time are also possible. Experiencing 4 or more episodes of mania or depression within 1 year is called “rapid cycling.”
- Bipolar II disorder is identified by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes. The hypomanic periods are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.
- Cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia) is defined by recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as manic or depressive episodes.
Can bipolar people live normal lives?
Even though bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, treatment is very effective. With psychotherapeutic management of the condition, people with bipolar disorder can learn to control their symptoms and live healthy, productive lives.
Treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy (talking therapy)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
- Family-focused therapy
- Medications
How does bipolar disorder affect relationships?
A person diagnosed with bipolar disorder has severe and distinct shifts in mood. Past or present traumatic events may trigger a person’s behavior to destabilize rapidly. These destructive symptoms can sabotage even the healthiest of relationships. Medication and therapy can help, but many people stop or refuse treatment, leaving the other partner confused, frustrated, and emotionally exhausted.
Risk factors that contribute to relationship challenges with a bipolar person include:
- The emotional rollercoaster of “ups and downs”
- Bipolar anger and rage
- Disorder commandeers the relationship
- The stress of managing symptoms
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Hypersexuality
- Challenges maintaining routines
- Social isolation
How do I know I’m bipolar?
If you had a traumatic upbringing or suffered other recurring past traumas, experience extreme emotional highs and lows, and exhibit unpredictable and erratic mood swings, you may have bipolar disorder. To diagnose this illness, a healthcare professional first performs a physical exam to rule out any physiological conditions. If the underlying causes of your symptoms aren’t detected, the next step is a psychological evaluation. After you receive a bipolar disorder diagnosis, there are many treatment options available to effectively manage this condition.
Do bipolar people struggle with love?
Bipolar disorder is an all-encompassing illness that often co-occurs with PTSD due to a traumatic upbringing. As a result, these factors significantly impact a person’s ability to emotionally connect and bond with a partner in an intimate relationship. However, with proper treatment and lifestyle habits, a bipolar person can develop and maintain a healthy relationship with their partner.
These strategies for success include:
- Consistent psychotherapy sessions
- Active with medication regimen
- Receptive to feedback about mood swings and triggers
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Practice mindfulness
- Avoid drugs and alcohol
How does a bipolar person act when angry?
Bipolar rage can be a waking nightmare for the person in its grips and those in its path. It’s uncontrollable, unstable, and unpredictable. During a rage event, a bipolar person may scream, throw, and break things. They can also verbally or physically abuse those around them. Bipolar rage is different for everyone–some people exhibit explosive bursts of intermittent anger, and others remain in an agitated state for days. Emotional regulation is an omnipresent challenge for people with bipolar, but with the right treatments, they can learn to successfully manage their anger and other emotions.
At what age does bipolar start?
Although bipolar disorder can start at any age, it’s typically identified and diagnosed in the adolescent years or early 20s.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Mental Disorders at Fifth Avenue Psychiatry
At Fifth Avenue Psychiatry, we provide evidence-based therapy for co-occurring mental disorders in a private and confidential space without disrupting our clients’ professional lives. We are a team of highly trained psychologists and psychiatrists who are committed to providing the highest quality of care.
Call us today, and we will design a personalized program just for you.
