Bipolar Disorder - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

Bipolar disorder in males; A Unique challenge

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. We are mainly focusing on bipolar disorders in males, which is a unique challenge.

Bipolar disorders can affect males and females equally, but men present this mental condition in a different way that draws attention. We will see how bipolar disorder is presented in the male population, along with its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Before going into the details, let’s see what exactly bipolar disorder is.

Table of Contents

What is bipolar disorder

Normally in life, we experience different moods: happy, excited, cheerful, sometimes sad, hopeless, and tearful. Why does this happen? It depends on the situation, whether it’s joy or sorrow in life. But what if the person experiences sudden highs and lows in life without a reason and too severe episodes?
Yes, you guessed it right! It’s a mental condition called bipolar disorder. In this, a person experiences an elevation of mood or sudden depression. This typical period of highs and lows is more severe than what a normal person experiences in today’s life. It’s so severe in the range that the person has a disoriented personality.

There are two types of bipolar disorder:

Out of the two, men are said to be more prone to Bipolar I, where intense manic episodes are observed, whereas women are more likely to experience deep depression manifesting Bipolar II disorder.

What are the causes

The cause of bipolar disorder is not clearly understood, but there are some factors that may contribute to bipolar disorder.

Genetic factors: Genetic factors play an important role in bipolar disorder. If the family member is affected, then there are higher chances of occurrence of bipolar disorder in the same family. Some studies also show the associative link between genetic variations and bipolar disorder.
Neurochemical factors: Bipolar disorder shows a strong link with an imbalance in the neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine regulate mood, energy, and other functions of the brain.
Brain structure and functions: After brain imaging, it has been observed that there are some changes in the structure and function of the brain in patients with bipolar disorder.
Environmental factors: Stressful life events, trauma, and major life changes can trigger bipolar disorder. Genetic factors may contribute by making a person vulnerable and precipitating the condition early.
Medications: Some medications, like antidepressants, may induce manic or hypomanic episodes. Bipolar disorders affect all genders. Presentation is different. Men are less likely to seek professional help and are often misdiagnosed as management stress. One must be aware of symptoms so that they should be diagnosed and treated well, so let's take a dig at their symptoms.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder distinctly represents itself. It has a variety of symptoms every person experiences differently; it can also vary as per the intensity and duration. But let’s throw light on some common symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by typical depressive and manic episodes.

Manic episodes

Elevation of mood, feeling happy, euphoria, irritability.
High energy levels, restlessness in physical activity, restless mind, difficulty sleeping.
Rapid speech, talks rapidly, jumps from one topic to another, racing thoughts.
No need for sleep, and energy levels are so high that the mind is restless, so few hours of sleep or no sleep for days is an important symptom.
No need for sleep, and energy levels are so high that the mind is restless, so few hours of sleep or no sleep for days is an important symptom.
Impulsivity: taking risks like substance abuse, reckless behavior, and reckless driving.
Poor judgment and making wrong decisions lead to negative consequences.
Working simultaneously on multiple tasks but cannot complete either of them.

Depressive episodes

Sad mood, hopeless, weeping, empty feeling
Loss of interest, loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.
Fatigue, low energy levels, and tiredness.
Sleep troubles, having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or oversleeping.
Significant changes in appetite and weight, either increased or decreased.
Difficult to concentrate, struggle to make decisions, or remember things.
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Thoughts of death or suicide, thinking about death, suicide, or self-harm.

Depressive episodes

Sad mood, hopeless, weeping, empty feeling
Loss of interest, loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.
Fatigue, low energy levels, and tiredness.
Sleep troubles, having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or oversleeping.
Significant changes in appetite and weight, either increased or decreased.
Difficult to concentrate, struggle to make decisions, or remember things.
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Thoughts of death or suicide, thinking about death, suicide, or self-harm.

Hypomanic episodes

Similar to manic episodes but with less severe symptoms.

Most cases of hypomanic episodes go undiagnosed as they seem normal or are seen as highs of life.
But all these episodes of mania and depression are sometimes mixed and recurrent. It’s important to be aware because they intensify and interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

Bipolar disorder diagnosis

Bipolar disorder diagnosis typically involves assessment by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Here are the key steps involved in diagnosing bipolar disorder:

Clinical Evaluation: The diagnostic process often starts with clinical evaluation. The healthcare provider will ask about the individual's medical and psychiatric history, including their mood symptoms, family history of mental health conditions, and any relevant life events or stress-inducing factors.
Mood Assessment: The healthcare provider will assess the individual's mood patterns, including the presence of manic or hypomanic episodes (elevated mood) and depressive episodes (low mood). They may use assessment tools or questionnaires to gather detailed information about mood symptoms.
Duration and Frequency: To meet the criteria for bipolar disorder, the healthcare provider will consider the duration and frequency of mood episodes. Manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes should persist for a specific length of time (according to diagnostic criteria) and occur within a certain frequency.
Family History: A family history of bipolar disorder or other mood disorders can be relevant, as there is a genetic component to bipolar disorder.
Psychosocial Assessment: Understanding the individual's psychosocial history, including relationships, work or school functioning, and any history of substance abuse.
Diagnostic Criteria: To diagnose bipolar disorder, the healthcare provider will refer to diagnostic criteria, that is Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Bipolar disorder has several subtypes, including Bipolar I Disorder (with full manic episodes), Bipolar II Disorder (with hypomanic and depressive episodes), and Cyclothymic Disorder (with milder mood swings).
Medical and Laboratory Tests: In some cases, the healthcare provider may ask for medical and laboratory tests, such as blood tests or brain imaging, to rule out other potential causes of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder treatments

Bipolar disorder treatments involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Medication

Mood Stabilisers: These medications, such as lithium or anticonvulsants e.g., valproate, lamotrigine, help control manic and depressive episodes
Antipsychotics: Some newer antipsychotic medications can help stabilize mood.
Antidepressants: In some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed for depressive episodes, but they are often used in conjunction with mood stabilisers to prevent mania.

Psychotherapy

Lifestyle Adjustments

Regular Sleep Patterns: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for managing bipolar symptoms.
Stress Reduction: Strategies for managing stress, such as relaxation techniques or mindfulness, can be beneficial.
Avoiding Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Substance abuse can worsen bipolar symptoms.
No need for sleep, and energy levels are so high that the mind is restless, so few hours of sleep or no sleep for days is an important symptom.
No need for sleep, and energy levels are so high that the mind is restless, so few hours of sleep or no sleep for days is an important symptom.
Impulsivity: taking risks like substance abuse, reckless behavior, and reckless driving.
Poor judgment and making wrong decisions lead to negative consequences.
Working simultaneously on multiple tasks but cannot complete either of them.

Support Network

Having a support system of family and friends can provide emotional support and help to treat early.
Monitoring: Regular follow-up with a mental health professional is essential to monitor medication effectiveness and adjust treatment as needed.
Treatment plans are individualized, and individuals with bipolar disorder need to work closely with mental health professionals to develop and maintain treatment. Medications and treatment plans may need to be adjusted over time to maintain symptom management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bipolar disorder affects all, but the expression of the disorder can vary. Early recognition of symptoms, appropriate diagnosis, and
strategic treatment plans are important for effectively managing bipolar disorder in men and improving their overall quality of life. Men need to seek help from mental health professionals and support systems when facing bipolar disorder or any mental health condition.