As humans, we all have our ups and downs. But with bipolar disorder, they can be more pronounced — from the highs of mania to the lows of depression. Bipolar disorder can be challenging to diagnose and can easily get overlooked for other mental illnesses. And without proper treatment, bipolar disorder tends to get worse.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help. Here are a few common misconceptions of bipolar disorder treatment, so you can arm yourself with knowledge about what’s fact and fiction.

Misconception: Bipolar disorder is rare

The truth is bipolar disorder is more common than you might think. A recent study from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that an estimated 4.4% of all U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives.

Researchers have not discovered what causes bipolar disorder. But, they believe several factors can increase the risk of developing the disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode:

• Having a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder
• Periods of high stress
• Alcohol/drug misuse

Misconception: There is only one type of bipolar disorder

There are four basic types of bipolar disorder. The type of disorder you are diagnosed with will influence your bipolar disorder treatment.

• Bipolar I: Features more than one or more depressive episodes or manic episodes
• Bipolar II: Features depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode
• Cyclothymic disorder: Defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting at least two years
• Bipolar disorder otherwise not specified: Defined by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match the categories listed above

Misconception: Bipolar disorder is just mania

Bipolar disorder is more than just mania. It also features a wide range of mood disturbances, including mania, hypomania, and depression. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have experienced at least one episode of mania or hypomania. However, not all people share the same symptoms at the same severity.

It’s also not uncommon for people to experience different symptoms in one episode, including both manic/hypomanic and depressive symptoms.

Misconception: Bipolar disorder can be cured through diet and exercise

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness that does not currently have a cure. However, it can be well managed through bipolar disorder treatment involving medication and talk therapy and maintaining regular patterns of sleeping, eating, and exercising.

Misconception: People can stop taking their medication once their bipolar disorder is under control

Taking medication for bipolar disorder helps prevent future manic or depressive episodes. Before you start or stop taking any new medicines, it’s essential to consult your doctor or psychiatric nurse practitioner. Additionally, cognitive behavior, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal therapy have shown to be effective in bipolar disorder treatment. It helps reduce symptoms and the risk of future episodes.

Experts also recommend additional strategies, including sleep hygiene, symptom monitoring, meditation, and social support.

The Final Word

Every patient’s experience with bipolar disorder varies from that of others with the condition. If you’ve been putting off getting diagnosed or getting treatment, we can help! Synchronous Mental Health is a mental health provider with over two decades of experience providing Portland and surrounding communities with supportive, affordable services. We believe in providing relief from adult mental health conditions with as few medications as possible and can help you find safer alternatives to high-risk medications.

Contact our team to learn how our psychiatric nurse practitioner services can help you.