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As with many mental health conditions, there are frequent misunderstandings about bipolar disorder. Certain myths that circulate about the condition can prevent others from having compassion and patience with those affected by it. Fortunately, supporting someone with bipolar disorder becomes much easier when you know the truth behind these common misconceptions.

What Are Common Myths About Bipolar Disorder?

1. All Bipolar People Have the Same Symptoms

Everyone experiences the condition differently, so symptoms may vary from one person to the next. For example, people with bipolar I disorder experience periods of mania and depression that are severe and can sometimes be accompanied by hallucinations or delusions. For bipolar II disorder, people experience hypomania. This is less severe than regular mania, which is characterized by high energy and euphoria, but the affected person can still experience severe depression.

Cyclothymia involves numerous hypomania and depressive symptoms over the course of at least two years, although these are less severe than in bipolar I or II. Finally, there are unspecified bipolar disorders that cover cases that do not perfectly match the patterns of the above three but are still clearly diagnosable as bipolar disorder.

2. Bipolar People Are Always Either Manic or Depressed

While many bipolar people do alternate between periods of mania and depression, they may also experience long durations of balanced moods. Known as euthymia, this balanced mood may not be accompanied by any symptoms at all and can last several weeks. 

3. Mania Is Great for Productivity 

bipolar disorder

Although mania may help bipolar people feel more productive at first, it’s also possible for a person to lose control over their thoughts and actions during these phases. People experiencing mania may also be irritable and have difficulty sleeping. For these reasons, manic episodes can actually hinder productivity. 

4. Bipolar Disorder Is Really Just Mood Swings

The cycles in bipolar disorder are much more extreme than standard mood swings. Bouts of mania or depression also last much longer, typically stretching for days or weeks at a time, while mood swings may vary from one hour to the next. 

5. Only Medication Can Treat It

Many bipolar people do indeed benefit from medication, but that doesn’t mean it’s always necessary. Individuals with mild symptoms may be able to manage their condition with other tools, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help them process the negative thoughts that may come with episodes. Talk with your doctor or behavioral specialist about the right treatment for you.

 

If you think you or someone you love could have a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder, turn to Comprehensive Behavioral Health in Staunton, VA. This team of doctors and psychiatrists has been helping people across central Virginia since 2001, using cutting-edge treatment to address the entire spectrum of mental illness. Visit them online or by calling (540) 688-2646 to learn about how their comprehensive care options can help you "get back to you". 

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