In recognition of World Bipolar Day, we reached out to our community to learn what more they’d like to know about bipolar disorder. To provide insightful answers, we gathered experts from our Scientific Advisory Board to share their knowledge.
Are there triggers for sudden and extreme changes in mood?
For some people who live with mood disorders, periods of depression or mania can come on suddenly and for no apparent reason. But mood episodes can often follow various kinds of triggers. Some of the most obvious… Read the full answer
How can I support my spouse with treatment-resistant bipolar depression?
For most people who live with bipolar disorder, depression is more common than mania. And, in general, medications for treatment of bipolar disorder are more effective for controlling or preventing mania than for… Read the full answer
Are my periods of happiness just mania?
If you have experienced disruptive or dangerous episodes of mania, you may worry that feeling happy is just a first step toward another damaging episode. Manic episodes are generally not happy or pleasant times, but… Read the full answer
My husband and I want children, but I have bipolar disorder and a family history of mental illness. We’re both concerned about passing it on to our future kids. What are the chances, and could it potentially worsen?
For mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, genes are an important risk factor. But your genes are certainly not your destiny. Here are some numbers to illustrate… Read the full answer
My daughter is a substance user and also shows symptoms of bipolar disorder. Which should be treated first?
The short answer is: both. Abundant research shows that people with mood disorders are at high risk for substance use disorders. And it also shows that people with substance use disorders are at high risk for mood disorders. This has led to many… Read the full answer
Is bipolar II just as dangerous as bipolar I?
Danger can mean a number of things but the key risks that Bipolar 1 and 2 share are suicide, suicide attempts (injurious in so many ways for all survivors), and substance abuse or addiction. Asking whether the suicide rate is higher in patients with… Read the full answer
