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Bipolar Disorder

Alternating episodes of elevated and depressed mood

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Psikiyatri department. Book Appointment →

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic and recurrent mood disorder with an estimated lifetime prevalence of about 1 to 2 percent for bipolar I and II combined.

DSM-5-TR distinguishes bipolar I (at least one manic episode), bipolar II (hypomanic and depressive episodes without full mania) and cyclothymic disorder (persistent subsyndromal mood fluctuations).

Pathophysiology involves complex genetic susceptibility, dysregulation of monoaminergic systems, circadian rhythm disturbances, and mitochondrial and inflammatory changes.

Because untreated bipolar disorder carries a high risk of functional impairment and suicide, early recognition and long-term psychiatric follow-up are essential.

Symptoms

Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood for at least a week (mania) or four days (hypomania)
Reduced need for sleep, increased energy, and goal-directed activity
Rapid or pressured speech and racing thoughts
Grandiose ideas, risky financial decisions, or impulsive sexual behavior during manic episodes
Depressive episodes with low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and hopelessness
Mixed features such as simultaneous depressive and manic symptoms with increased suicide risk

Risk Factors

First-degree relatives with bipolar disorder, major depression, or schizophrenia
Early-onset depression or antidepressant-induced mood elevation
Sleep deprivation, shift work, and irregular circadian rhythms
Stimulant or cocaine use and alcohol misuse
Major life stressors, postpartum period, or seasonal changes
Traumatic brain injury or certain medical conditions affecting the CNS

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Seek psychiatric evaluation when episodes of excessive energy, reduced sleep, risky behavior, or severe depression disrupt life.
  • Contact a clinician urgently if there is suicidal thinking, psychotic symptoms, or danger to oneself or others.
  • A medical review is important to exclude thyroid dysfunction, steroid effects, or substance-induced mood episodes.

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive psychiatric assessment with longitudinal history and exclusion of organic causes
02
Pharmacotherapy with mood stabilizers such as lithium or valproate, or atypical antipsychotics
03
Adjunctive psychotherapy (psychoeducation, CBT, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, family-focused therapy)
04
Sleep regulation, circadian hygiene, and lifestyle interventions
05
Careful management of antidepressant use to avoid precipitating manic episodes
06
Long-term follow-up, relapse prevention planning, and monitoring of lithium or valproate levels and side effects

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Psikiyatri department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Psychiatry: Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar disorder affects ~1-2% of population with high heritability (60-85%); subtypes include bipolar I (manic episodes), bipolar II (hypomanic + depressive), cyclothymic (subthreshold), and other specified; mania features elevated/irritable mood, decreased sleep need, grandiosity, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, risky behavior; first-line treatment includes lithium (gold standard with anti-suicide effects), valproate, lamotrigine, atypical antipsychotics (quetiapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole, risperidone, lurasidone for bipolar depression).

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.