Bipolar disorder causes unpredictable, often sudden shifts from an average mood into periods of deep depression, alternating with episodes of an unusually elevated euphoric mood. Like all psychological disorders, there are many enduring myths about it that need to be dispelled, especially if you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Myth: Bipolar is rare. Fact: At any given time in the USA, about two million people are living with bipolar disorder. About ten percent of all Americans will experience bipolar disorder in their lifetime.
Myth: Bipolar disorder is always treated with lithium. Fact: There are many medications that are used to treat bipolar disorder. Although lithium was once the go-to medication, other mood stabilizers like topiramate and lamotrigine are now commonly given. It’s common for people to need to try several different medicines before finding the ideal approach for them.
Myth: People with bipolar disorder are either depressed or manic, going from one to the other, with nothing in between. Fact: People with bipolar disorder enjoy periods of a normal mood, called euthymia. Euthymic periods may last long enough that a person thinks their bipolar disorder has gone away, but without medication, a bipolar person will always experience a relapse into depression or mania.
Myth: Manic episodes are not harmful. Fact: Manic episodes can be disastrous. A person might feel good briefly, but manic episodes usually result in a person losing control of themselves. They might spend every last dime they own, give away prized possessions, become sexually promiscuous, or depart from their normal functioning in other ways that do lasting harm. Mania can also be expressed as periods of greatly elevated irritability that flares up into rage. People can do permanent harm to themselves and their relationships in a manic state.
Myth: A healthy diet, exercise and lots of rest can treat bipolar disorder. Fact: Bipolar disorder is a neurological disorder of the brain and the way cells in the brain communicate with each other. Regulating bipolar disorder requires medication and psychotherapy. A nutritious diet, exercise, and healthy amounts of sleep are essential for everyone’s good health, but cannot alone treat bipolar or any other psychological disorder.
Bipolar disorder is treatable and can be managed. Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.
