For a lot of us, the reality show may have been our first introduction to the mental health condition, so it comes as no surprise that Ireland’s online search curiosity has soared when it comes to bipolar.

Between July and August, the search term 'bipolar diagnosis' quadrupled on Google, and the search terms 'signs of bipolar in men' and 'bipolar symptoms' tripled.

With this, and in light of World Mental Health Day, Dr Robin Clark, Medical Director, from Bupa Global and UK Insurance, has answered some of the growing questions asked about bipolar, as well as detailing the things we should know about the condition in the hopes of demystifying it and preventing misinformation.

"It’s great to see that more of us are gaining a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder. When we see celebrities being so candid about their illnesses, it can help to break barriers between experiencing symptoms and seeking treatment," Dr. Clark said.

"Unfortunately, the symptoms of bipolar are still often confused with other conditions – this is evident from our internal research of online search volumes. As it can be a difficult condition to diagnose, I’d urge everyone to make sure they’re getting their health information from trusted sources and to remember that bipolar is experienced on an individual basis," he continued.

Dr. Clark urges anyone who has concerns or worries about how they're feeling to speak to a health professional to find help that is right for them.

Symptoms of bipolar

Beginning with the symptoms, Dr. Clark refers to bipolar disorder as a mental health condition that affects your mood and how you behave.

There are two main subtypes of bipolar, called Bipolar Disorder I and Bipolar Disorder II, with both types likely to bring episodes of change to your mood, varying between high and low (mania and depression). Some may feel fine between their episodes. 

Causes of bipolar

"At the moment, it’s not completely clear what causes bipolar. There’s believed to be a genetic influence, as it’s something that often runs in families, but there’s yet to be a specific gene identified that directly causes bipolar," Dr. Clark explains, adding that, currently, both genetic and environmental factors are thought to result in a person developing bipolar.

Getting a diagnosis

"Firstly – there’s no online quiz that can diagnose bipolar, despite what your search engine may suggest! Always speak to a health professional if you’re struggling with your moods or behaviour. During your appointment, they’ll ask you about your medical history, mood and any symptoms," he explains.

He says that based on your answers, and if the health professional thinks you may have bipolar disorder, you’ll be referred to a psychiatrists or specialist mental health service for treatment. Unfortunately, a formal diagnosis may take a while as it can be quite complex to diagnose.

Is bipolar common? Do the symptoms vary between men and women? 

Here in Ireland, bipolar is a condition that an estimated one in 50 adults live with. And while it’s a condition that affects both men and women equally, females tend to develop it later, compared to men.

"In terms of symptoms, women are more likely to experience their mood disturbances seasonally. Frequency of symptoms can also vary between the sexes, with women more likely to have mood disturbances more often than men," Dr. Clark says.

What is bipolar with seasonal pattern?

Some people who live with bipolar may find that the seasons throughout the year can impact how severely their symptoms present for them. This means that the darker seasons, such as autumn and winter, can be more difficult for some with living with the condition to adjust to. This is a result of reduced daylight triggering a depressive episode. 

How is bipolar treated? 

Dr. Clark states that it’s not possible to fully treat bipolar disorder. However, with the right intervention from a health professional, it can be managed.

"Possible treatments include medication(s), talking therapies and self-help methods. Your treatment will vary, depending on what’s recommended by your health professional," he advises.

Are people with bipolar paranoid or manipulative?

Many people will have the misconception that people with bipolar are innately paranoid. However, this is not the case. People with bipolar may experience periods of paranoia when they’re having an episode, or a person experiencing a manic episode, they may also experience hyper realistic delusions. 

"During these times, if they’re having any suspicious thoughts, they can quickly escalate. This may lead them to feel more paranoid, especially if their suspicions are around feeling like they’re being watched."

Another incorrect assumption is that people living with bipolar can make them manipulative, which is untrue, according to Dr. Clark.

"When experiencing mood episodes, some people with bipolar can also have short-term periods of psychosis. Sometimes psychosis can make a person more likely to try and manipulate others, but this would only be on a short-term basis."

Supporting someone with bipolar

Dr. Clark firmly acknowledges that knowing someone living with the condition can be difficult at times.

"They may do or say things that are upsetting, or even embarrassing, during a mood episode. It’s key to remember that this is their illness at play, so staying as calm and non-judgemental as possible can be a real help."

He recommends that once your loved one is feeling better and their episode has come to an end, to start a conversation with them about their episode in order to help keep communications open, and to help them feel accepted and supported, before and after an episode.

"This allows you to express how their actions during an episode made you feel, and to develop an action plan together that can come into action when manic episodes present themselves. Between you and your loved one, seeing potential patterns and triggers can help to anticipate a mood episode and keep your loved one calm and supported," he suggests.

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