Understanding Bipolar Symptoms in Women

What are the different types of bipolar disorder?

Understanding bipolar symptoms in women is easy when you know the types of this condition.

• Bipolar 1 Disorder

The characteristics of this ailment are:

• It affects both men and women.

• A person can be hospitalised for at least 1 episode of mania or mixed symptoms (mania & depression) lasting for at least 7 days, preceding or post an attack of hypomania (extreme happiness) or depression.

• Depressive episodes are not mandatory.

• Bipolar 2 Disorder

Bipolar Disorder 2 symptoms in females are more prominent as compared to men.

• Depressive episode (a major one) in the present or past, with the effects lasting for at least 14 days

• Present or past experience in dealing with hypomania episodes

• Cyclothymic Disorder

The characteristics of this are —

• Not as severe as Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2 disorders

• Frequent but not severe episodes of hypomania and depression for about 2 years

• Others

Other forms of bipolar disorder usually occur due to a particular reason – substance abuse, addiction to alcohol, or pre-existing medical conditions.

Symptoms in Women

Bipolar disorder can manifest differently in women as compared to men. Some specific symptoms and patterns that are more commonly observed in women suffering from this disorder include:

1. Mania (too happy)

• Extreme sense of happiness or elation

• Increased creativity

• Increased sexual drive

• Interest in participating in adventurous or high-risk activities

• Reckless financial management

• Increased substance or alcohol abuse

• Increased energy always, even affecting sleep cycles

• Seeking attention

• Talking very swiftly

• Getting irritated quickly

• Inability to make proper decisions

• Increased awareness of self

2. Depression (too sad)

• Extreme sadness

• Always feeling a lack of energy

• Inability to focus

• Continuous feelings of hopelessness and guilt

• Inability to carry on routine activities

• Increased self-doubt

• Illogical thinking

• Improper eating and sleeping routines

• Wanting to die

Women with bipolar disorder often experience more depressive episodes than men.

3. Hypomania (mild happiness)

• Feeling elevated and happy, but not as much as those experienced during mania

• Frequent but less intense mood swings

• Increased energy and a feeling to take unwanted risks (but doesn’t affect one’s normal life)

These signs of hypomania are one of the more evident bipolar symptoms in women than in men.

4. Mixed Mania (happiness and sadness)

• Frequent episodes of mania and depression lasting for more than a week

• More prominent in women than men

5. Rapid Cycling

• Quick, repeated, and alternate patterns of maniac and depressive episodes

• At least 4 such episodes should have been experienced in a year

• Increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, stress and hypothyroidism

• More prominent in women than men

If not treated on time, all these symptoms may lead to the mild condition of cyclothymic disorder, which eventually will become a Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2 disorder.

Factors leading to bipolar symptoms in women

According to studies, bipolar disorder in women can start a little late in their lives. In most cases, women are diagnosed with this ailment in their 50s. The main factors that decide how this condition affects women are:

• Menstruation –

Some women may experience depression during the premenstrual stage due to the change in their reproductive hormones. During this time, the effects of medication for bipolar disorder (if taken) are not very effective.

• Pregnancy –

Childbirth is as much a mental condition for women as it is a physical condition. The periods of pregnancy and immediately after childbirth can be quite traumatic for some women. Lack of proper sleep, additional responsibilities, and lack of support from the family can lead to bipolar symptoms in women in this stage.

• Menopause –

During menopause, at least 20% of women experience depression, according to studies. This can increase their risk of bipolar disorder.

Treatment

• Medicines –

These include antidepressants and mood relaxants to manage bipolar symptoms.

• Psychotherapy –

This is talk therapy, where you are encouraged to talk about your maniac or depressive episodes to a mental health professional. It is usually combined with proper medications to keep the condition well-managed.

• Electroconvulsive Therapy –

This uses electric shocks to induce brain seizures to control the occurrence of maniac or depressive episodes in your life.

All these methods have side effects. Always talk with your doctor when you experience discomfort so you can choose the treatment method that is right for your condition.