9 Myths & Misconceptions About Bipolar Disorder

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that causes extreme mood swings, ranging from extreme mania to extreme depression. These mood swings can last for days or weeks and significantly disrupt a person’s ability to function in their day-to-day life.¹

The three types of bipolar disorder include:

• Bipolar I: Bipolar I is characterized by a high frequency of manic episodes followed by depressive episodes.
• Bipolar II: Bipolar II involves depressive episodes similar to bipolar I, but instead of mania, people with bipolar II experience hypomania, which is a less severe version of mania.
• Cyclothymic disorder: Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by occasional mild episodes of depressive symptoms and mania, which are not severe to receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

9 Myths About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a common condition with a lot of myths. It is important to learn about the condition and challenge these myths as they perpetuate the stigma of this condition.

Here are nine myths and misconceptions about bipolar disorder:

1. Bipolar Disorder Is Just Mood Swings

Bipolar disorder is so much more than “mood swings.” It is important to know the cycle between depressive symptoms and manic symptoms, as the highs and lows can seem typical for most people, but the way those with bipolar disorder experience these periods is much more intense. Manic episodes include periods of high energy and getting lots of things done. Depressive episodes include periods of lows with minimal motivation and energy to take care of basic activities of daily living.²

2. Mania Isn’t ‘That Bad’

Bipolar disorder mania is more than an energy burst, and episodes can be harmful. Some common symptoms of mania include impulsivity, risk-taking, and emotional dysregulation. Mania can lead people to break the law and engage in socially unacceptable ways. Mania can make it more likely for someone with bipolar disorder to have failed relationships and put them at risk with their work and school. It can also lead to long periods of sleep deprivation, which can be dangerous.²

3. People With Bipolar Can Stop Medications at Any Time

It is never safe for someone with bipolar disorder to stop taking their medication for bipolar disorder without the guidance of a psychiatrist. These medications work on very critical neurotransmitters, and the chemical imbalance created by stopping a medication like that overnight can be extremely dangerous and lead to many withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be emotional, physical, and mental.²

4. Only Adults Have Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar can affect individuals of all ages. It is important to be aware that bipolar disorder in children and teens differs from symptoms in adults. In children, some warning signs of mental illness that parents or caregivers can look for in their children include aggressiveness towards others and themselves, separation anxiety, and sleep issues.³

5. Mood Swings Happen Often & Quickly

Bipolar mood swings do happen however, the episodes of mania or depression usually last at least a week, if not longer, before switching to the other mood. Day-to-day changes in mood are typical for us all as part of the human experience. Long periods of depression followed by long periods of mania are the types of mood swings that are characteristic of bipolar disorder.⁴

6. There Is a Bipolar Disorder Assessment

Unfortunately, there is no one questionnaire or test to diagnose or determine bipolar disorder. Diagnosing bipolar disorder can take time and several assessments. Taking a family history of mental health issues and understanding a person’s individual trauma history is also important to consider. All of these combined are part of the assessment, as well as consulting with a therapist and psychiatrist.⁴

7. Only Medications Can Treat Bipolar Disorder

Medication can help to treat bipolar disorder; however, people will still need to learn how to live with their bipolar disorder symptoms as the medications are not a cure-all. A comprehensive treatment plan for bipolar disorder may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.⁴

8. Bipolar Disorder Makes People Violent

Bipolar disorder doesn’t make people violent at baseline. It can make it harder for people to respond to challenges in a healthy way. However, bipolar disorder aggression can range from an individual with bipolar disorder blaming others, yelling when frustrated, or acting violently, and violence is quite rare.⁵

9. You Can’t Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that warrants the same empathy and compassion as any other condition. It is important to remain validating and reassuring to your loved one with bipolar disorder. Learning the facts about bipolar disorder (as opposed to the myths) and knowing how it can make the individual feel is key. Showing interest and care in their experience helps them feel less alone and will help them less likely to act aggressively.⁶

Why Treatment Is Important for Bipolar Disorder

Therapy can be essential when treating bipolar disorder as it can help to identify the type of bipolar disorder and learn more about why you may feel the way you feel. If you are unsure of why you have highs and lows and struggle to make sense of what you feel, it may be time to talk to a professional. A therapist can help you learn more about your symptoms, uncover trends and patterns in your life that contribute to your symptoms, and give you new coping skills to live a more fulfilling life.

You can use a therapist directory to find a therapist who specializes in bipolar disorder. You can also contact your insurance and ask for a list of providers who take your insurance. Alternatively, an online therapy service who takes insurance may be the right option if you prefer therapy from the comfort of your own home.