Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These mood swings go far beyond everyday ups and downs, ranging from mania to severe depression. Though bipolar disorder affects people of all genders, it often presents differently in women, requiring a nuanced and specialized treatment approach.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder falls into three categories.
- Bipolar I: Characterized by manic episodes lasting at least seven days, or severe mania requiring hospitalization, often followed by depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II: Involves patterns of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (a less severe form of mania), without the full-blown manic episodes seen in bipolar I.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: Involves chronic fluctuations between hypomania and mild depression over two years or more.
Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar symptoms are either manic/hypomanic or depressive.
Symptoms of mania or hypomania may include:
- Elevated or irritable mood
- Increased energy and activity levels
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts
- Impulsive or risky behavior
- Decreased need for sleep
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
Depressive episode symptoms may include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Fatigue or low energy
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
How Bipolar Disorder Presents in Women
Bipolar disorder can look different in women than in men. Women with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience:
- More depressive episodes than manic ones
- Rapid cycling, meaning four or more mood episodes in a year
- Mixed episodes, where mania and depression occur simultaneously
- Later onset of symptoms, often beginning in the late teens or early adulthood
- Increased risk of co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, and thyroid dysfunction
Hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can also influence the frequency and intensity of your mood episodes, making it even critical for you to receive a treatment plan customized for your needs.
Why Bipolar Disorder Requires Specialized Help
Bipolar disorder often goes misdiagnosed – especially in women. The predominance of depressive episodes can lead to a mistaken diagnosis of clinical depression, resulting in inappropriate treatment that may worsen your symptoms. Additionally, stigma around mood swings or emotional expression may prevent you from seeking help or cause clinicians to dismiss your concerns.
Living with untreated or poorly managed bipolar disorder can disrupt your relationships, hinder your professional goals, and increase your risk of self-harm or substance abuse. That’s why early intervention is so valuable.
A Safe Space for Women to Heal
A comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional can identify the condition and determine the best course of treatment. Managing bipolar disorder may include:
- Medication to stabilize your mood
- Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy
- Lifestyle changes, including sleep hygiene, exercise, and nutrition
- Support groups and peer counseling
At The Pearl, we understand bipolar disorder and related mental health challenges can be overwhelming, isolating, and confusing – especially considering life’s many responsibilities and expectations. Our women’s-only addiction treatment center is an ideal environment for healing, with trauma-informed care designed to address co-occurring disorders and underlying emotional wounds.
If you are struggling with bipolar disorder or think you might be, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us today to rediscover your strength and find balance.
