Debunking 4 Common Myths About Bipolar Disorder

Given that bipolar disorder affects about 5.7 million adults in the United States, which represents about 2.6% of the adult population, one would think that the mental health issue is widely understood. Unfortunately, there’s still misinformation that circulates about bipolar disorder, and that’s why we want to shed some much-needed light on this serious condition.

As an expert in mental health, Wendy Ann Reiss, MSN, PMHNP-BC, has considerable experience helping patients with bipolar disorder, and she understands the widespread impact this disorder can have on a person’s life.

Below, we take a look at four myths about bipolar disorder so that you can better understand this common mental health illness.

1. Swinging from high to low and back again

The most common myth that we hear about bipolar is that wild mood swings characterize it — you’re on top of the world one moment and then depressed the next.

Bipolar disorder is a condition in which a person faces meaningful shifts in their moods, behaviors, energy levels, and ability to concentrate and function, but it's not as simple as swinging from high to low.

There are three types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I disorder — severe manic episodes that last at least seven days, along with depressive episodes that last two weeks or more.
• Bipolar II disorder — a cycle of manic and depressive episodes, but the manic episodes aren’t as severe as in bipolar I.
• Cyclothymic disorder — cycling between mild manic and depressive periods that may not clinically qualify as either hypomanic or depressive.

Clearly, bipolar disorder extends far beyond mood swings and involves complex mood shifts. Making matters more complicated, people with bipolar disorder can have symptoms of depression and mania at the same time.

2. The highs are good

Many assume manic episodes are periods of great elation, productivity, and creativity. The reality is that moderate to severe mania can be debilitating and even dangerous, which is why many people with bipolar I disorder are often hospitalized during manic periods.

Furthermore, manic episodes often come with irritability and anger as much as joy. Or, that feeling of being on top of the world can translate into invincibility, which leads to excessively risky behaviors.

3. Kids of bipolar parents will have the disorder

As with other mental health issues, we’re not sure about the exact cause of bipolar disorder. We have uncovered that genetics do play a role, but it's not something that’s guaranteed. So, if you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, that doesn’t mean you will automatically have the condition.

Similarly, if you have bipolar disorder, it doesn't mean that you will pass it on to your children. But you can pass on a gene that may place your kids at risk.

4. Medications are the only way to treat bipolar disorder

Addressing bipolar disorder with medications is an important part of the overall treatment plan, but it’s not the only solution. At our telehealth practice, we use medications to provide a more stable foundation upon which we can build better mental health through psychotherapy and lifestyle improvements.

We understand that living with bipolar disorder can be a challenge, but it is one that you can meet with the right help.

If you'd like to learn more about managing bipolar disorder, call us at 908-386-5112 or book a telepsychiatry appointment online today.