Bipolar disorder: Symptoms, causes and treatments
2.2% of Australians live with bipolar disorder.1 Learn about it here, including how to get support for you or someone you care about.
Jump to section: Symptoms | Causes | Treatment | Where to get help
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that involves extreme changes in mood, energy and thinking. These changes can be distressing for the person experiencing them and for those around them.
People with bipolar disorder go through episodes of high or ‘elevated’ mood (called mania or hypomania) and episodes of low mood (depression). These episodes can last weeks or even longer, and may not always have a clear trigger.
When someone is in a manic phase, they might behave in ways that feel out of character or risky. During depressive phases, it can be hard to feel hopeful or motivated, and in some cases, people may have thoughts of suicide. For these reasons, it’s extremely important to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment from a mental health professional.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary from person to person. For example, not everyone experiences mania; some experience a less intense form called hypomania.
Signs of mania or hypomania may include:
- feeling unusually euphoric, irritable or agitated
- talking very quickly
- needing very little sleep
- feeling extremely confident
- making impulsive or risky decisions such as overspending or taking sexual risks
- delusions or hallucinations.
Signs of a depressive episode may include:
- persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- losing interest in things you usually enjoy
- changes to sleep
- feeling worthless or guilty
- trouble concentrating or making decisions
- withdrawing from friends, work or daily routines
- suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms, or are worried about someone else who is, contact your GP as a first step towards getting support. Always call 000 in an emergency or if someone’s life is in danger.
24/7 Medibank Mental Health Support
Medibank health insurance members can chat to a mental health professional about how they feel and ask questions about a range of mental health concerns for themselves or a loved one and get guidance on what they can do next. Chat online or call 1800 644 325 anytime of the day or night, 7 days a week at no extra cost.~
What causes bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder doesn’t have a single known cause and is often linked to a combination of factors.
Genetics play a strong role. If one parent has bipolar disorder, there’s a 1 in 10 chance their child may also develop it. That rises to 4 in 10 if both parents live with the illness. Bipolar disorder usually first develops during adolescence or early adulthood.
While stressful events such as trauma, loss or major life changes don’t cause bipolar disorder on their own, they can sometimes trigger the first episode or lead to a relapse. Lack of sleep, substance use or ongoing stress may also be triggers.
What treatments are available for bipolar disorder?
If you’re living with bipolar disorder, treatment can help you feel more in control and improve your quality of life. Treatment usually focuses on managing symptoms during an episode, as well as preventing future episodes and supporting long-term wellbeing.
Treatment may include:
- medication, such as mood-stabilising, antidepressant or antipsychotic medications
- therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling or psychoeducation
- lifestyle changes such as regular sleep, reducing stress and building a support network
- education and community support programs.
Even when you are feeling better, you may need ongoing treatment to help you stay well. Make a plan with your GP or mental health professional so that you know how to seek help quickly and manage any symptoms that may return.
Where to go for help
If your life or someone else’s is in danger, call 000 immediately.
If you’re in distress and need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
For non-emergency support, your GP or regular health practitioner is often the best place to start. They will be able to assess your individual situation and recommend the best next steps for your recovery.
Medibank health insurance members can chat to a mental health professional about how they feel and ask questions about a range of mental health concerns for themselves or a loved one and get guidance on what they can do next. Chat online or call 1800 644 325 anytime of the day or night, 7 days a week at no extra cost.~
Remember that help is always available, no matter the situation.
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~ Some referred services may involve out of pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.
While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).