Bipolar Disorder: True or False?
Many people think they know all there is to know about certain mental disorders. This includes bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. However, it is because of these incorrect views that prevalent myths get started. It is time to break through some of the more common myths and understand the truth about bipolar disorder. With newfound knowledge, you'll be more understanding should you ever encounter someone who suffers from the disorder.
Below are some of the most common myths surrounding bipolar disorder and the actual realities of the disorder. Now the next time you hear someone mention one of these, you will be able to set them straight with the truth.
I have mood swings - I must have bipolar disorder.
False. Mood swings are not the same as bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. While you may feel upset over something small and later feel perky and happy, this is not indicative of bipolar disorder. Instead, the disorder is much more extreme, the manic and depressed times that the person experiences last much longer and can affect them in a multitude of ways. Something with a typical mood swing can rebound from their emotions with relative ease and stay in control throughout, a person with bipolar disorder may remain in a depressed state for many days, and vice versa in a manic state. These states can impair their thought processes and leave them feeling out of control. They may also have difficulty at work or with personal relationships because of these phrases. There is no quick back and forth which is why many people with bipolar disorder take mood stabilizers.
Bipolar disorder is not rare.
In fact, there are at least 5.7 million people every year that suffer from bipolar disorder. The majority of these people are adults. It is not rare at all. You may actually know someone with the disorder. They may just be in control of it through mood stabilizers that help keep the phases in check. Children and teens can also suffer from bipolar disorder although it is much more difficult to diagnose them.
Bipolar disorder means they shift from being really happy to really sad.
Just like with the mood swing myth, this is one of the more common preconceptions about bipolar disorder. People think that a manic episode just means the person is really happy and the depressed episode is just a bit of depression. However, both episodes are much more than that and can affect the person is a lot of different ways. Someone going into a manic phase may start out feeling very happy, but it can progress into feeling hyper, easily irritated, disorganized, and unable to focus. Manic episodes can bother people because they suffer at work and at home and can have problems getting sufficient sleep.
The same can be said for depression in that it encompasses much more than just being sad. Depression is deeper than just being sad about something and can also interfere with everyday life. Because this particular myth is often attached to bipolar disorder, people tend to think that the disorder is not as serious as it can be.
You can get tested for bipolar.
False. Though it would be wonderful to have a simple test that can tell a person whether or not he/she is bipolar, no such test exists. The only way to find out if you have bipolar disorder is to visit with a doctor well-versed in the disorder and answering many in-depth questions about your symptoms, how they have impacted your life, what your family history of mental illnesses may be, and more. With a clear, full picture, a doctor will be better able to decide whether or not bipolar disorder is involved.
Understanding the disorder will give you better insight into how it works and how it can affect someone's life. Separate out myths from facts to keep from making snap judgments and be better able to make informed decisions. There is plenty of information out there, and as always, if you need to know more you can always ask a doctor.
Below are some of the most common myths surrounding bipolar disorder and the actual realities of the disorder. Now the next time you hear someone mention one of these, you will be able to set them straight with the truth.
I have mood swings - I must have bipolar disorder.
False. Mood swings are not the same as bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. While you may feel upset over something small and later feel perky and happy, this is not indicative of bipolar disorder. Instead, the disorder is much more extreme, the manic and depressed times that the person experiences last much longer and can affect them in a multitude of ways. Something with a typical mood swing can rebound from their emotions with relative ease and stay in control throughout, a person with bipolar disorder may remain in a depressed state for many days, and vice versa in a manic state. These states can impair their thought processes and leave them feeling out of control. They may also have difficulty at work or with personal relationships because of these phrases. There is no quick back and forth which is why many people with bipolar disorder take mood stabilizers.
Bipolar disorder is not rare.
In fact, there are at least 5.7 million people every year that suffer from bipolar disorder. The majority of these people are adults. It is not rare at all. You may actually know someone with the disorder. They may just be in control of it through mood stabilizers that help keep the phases in check. Children and teens can also suffer from bipolar disorder although it is much more difficult to diagnose them.
Bipolar disorder means they shift from being really happy to really sad.
Just like with the mood swing myth, this is one of the more common preconceptions about bipolar disorder. People think that a manic episode just means the person is really happy and the depressed episode is just a bit of depression. However, both episodes are much more than that and can affect the person is a lot of different ways. Someone going into a manic phase may start out feeling very happy, but it can progress into feeling hyper, easily irritated, disorganized, and unable to focus. Manic episodes can bother people because they suffer at work and at home and can have problems getting sufficient sleep.
The same can be said for depression in that it encompasses much more than just being sad. Depression is deeper than just being sad about something and can also interfere with everyday life. Because this particular myth is often attached to bipolar disorder, people tend to think that the disorder is not as serious as it can be.
You can get tested for bipolar.
False. Though it would be wonderful to have a simple test that can tell a person whether or not he/she is bipolar, no such test exists. The only way to find out if you have bipolar disorder is to visit with a doctor well-versed in the disorder and answering many in-depth questions about your symptoms, how they have impacted your life, what your family history of mental illnesses may be, and more. With a clear, full picture, a doctor will be better able to decide whether or not bipolar disorder is involved.
Understanding the disorder will give you better insight into how it works and how it can affect someone's life. Separate out myths from facts to keep from making snap judgments and be better able to make informed decisions. There is plenty of information out there, and as always, if you need to know more you can always ask a doctor.
About the Author:
Affinity is one of the leading mental health treatment which provides a full range of therapeutic care services to its clients.
Posts
