Author: Jillian LaFrance
Navigating the world with bipolar disorder can sometimes feel like walking through a hall of mirrors, where distorted reflections of reality constantly challenge your perception. For those unfamiliar, bipolar disorder is often shrouded in misconceptions and are perpetuated by sensationalized media portrayals and outdated stereotypes. This blog post aims to cut through the noise and separate the myths surrounding bipolar disorder from the lived realities of those who experience it and foster a more accurate and compassionate understanding of this often misunderstood mental health condition.
Myth: Bipolar Disorder Always Follows Predictable Patterns
The frequency, duration, and intensity of these episodes vary between individuals with periods of stability often incorporated. Stress, sleep disruptions, and substance use can significantly impact the onset and severity of mood shifts. Some individuals may experience “rapid cycling,” involving four or more mood episodes within a year, but even this pattern isn’t necessarily predictable. It’s essential to remember that bipolar disorder is not simply a series of mood swings; rather, it involves extreme and prolonged shifts that significantly impact daily life.
Myth: All Bipolar Disorder Cases Require Hospitalization
Hospitalization for bipolar disorder isn’t always necessary. It’s typically used for severe episodes posing harm or significant impairment. Most people manage bipolar disorder with outpatient care, including medication and therapy, preventing the need for hospitalization.
Myth: Bipolar Disorder Only Impacts Emotions
Bipolar disorder isn’t just about emotions. It impacts cognitive functions like concentration and judgment and leads to behavioral changes like impulsivity or withdrawal. Physical health suffers with sleep and appetite disruptions. Socially, it strains relationships and work or school performance. It’s a complex disorder affecting the entire person, not just their moods.
Myth: Bipolar Disorder is Not Influenced by Genetics
The idea that bipolar disorder is solely a product of environmental factors, and not influenced by genetics, is a significant misconception. Research consistently demonstrates a strong genetic component to this complex mental health condition. Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder face a considerably elevated risk of developing the disorder themselves (Heid, 2019). It’s widely accepted that multiple genes contribute to the development of bipolar. It’s important to understand that genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee the onset of bipolar disorder. Environmental factors, such as significant stress, traumatic life events, or substance use, can also play a crucial role in triggering episodes, particularly in those who are genetically vulnerable. Bipolar disorder arises from a complex interaction between genetic vulnerabilities and environmental influences, emphasizing its complex nature.
Myth: Substance Use Has No Impact on Bipolar Disorder
Substance use and bipolar disorder are a dangerous mix. Drugs and alcohol worsen mood swings, trigger episodes, and interfere with medication. They can also impair judgment, leading to risky behavior, and disrupt sleep, a major trigger for bipolar episodes. Often, these conditions occur together, creating a cycle that worsens both. Simply put, substance use significantly complicates bipolar disorder management.
Myth: Bipolar Disorder Exists in Isolation
Bipolar disorder rarely exists alone. It often co-occurs with anxiety, substance use, ADHD, or eating disorders, complicating diagnosis and treatment (Heid, 2019). It strains relationships, requiring strong support systems. Family and friends need education and understanding. Bipolar disorder impacts the individual and their entire network, not just the person diagnosed.
Myth: Stress Does Not Trigger or Exacerbate Bipolar Disorder
Stress significantly impacts bipolar disorder. Major life events or daily pressures can trigger manic or depressive episodes and worsen existing symptoms. Stress disrupts sleep, alters hormones, and makes mood management harder (Rantala et al., 2021). People with bipolar disorder are often more sensitive to stress, making stress management vital.
Myth: Bipolar Disorder Can be Diagnosed With a Single Test
Diagnosing bipolar disorder isn’t as simple as a single test (Heid, 2019). It requires a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional. They’ll assess your mood history, looking for manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, and consider other symptoms like sleep and energy changes. Family history is also important. Doctors will rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms (Heid, 2019). There is no single blood test or brain scan that can definitively diagnose bipolar disorder; it relies on a professional’s comprehensive assessment.
Myth: Bipolar Disorder Medication Can Be Stopped Once Symptoms Subside
Stopping bipolar medication without a doctor’s guidance is risky. It dramatically increases the chance of relapsing, often with more severe episodes. Abruptly stopping can destabilize mood and cause withdrawal. Bipolar disorder usually requires long-term medication for stability. Always consult a psychiatrist before making any medication changes.
Myth: Bipolar Disorder is Untreatable
The misconception that bipolar disorder is untreatable is a harmful myth that can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. While there’s no cure for bipolar disorder, it is manageable with effective treatment strategies. Contrary to popular belief, people with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and productive lives. Treatment typically involves a multifaceted approach, combining medication such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants to regulate mood episodes, with psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to develop coping mechanisms and manage stress (Heid, 2019). Lifestyle adjustments, including maintaining regular sleep patterns, adhering to a healthy diet, and avoiding substance use, play a crucial role in stabilizing mood.
Bio
Jillian has a PhD in psychology, specializing in forensics and experience working with individuals with severe and chronic mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Jillian has a bipolar disorder diagnosis, which provides her with personal insight. She is member of the American Psychological Association.
References
Heid, M. (2019). Bipolar disorder myths and facts (S. Bhandari, Ed.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-myths-facts
Miasnikov, C. (2021). Myths and facts of bipolar disorder. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/bipolar-and-related-disorders/myths-and-facts-of-bipolar-disorder/
Rantala, M. J., Luoto, S., Borráz-León, J. I., & Krams, I. (2021). Bipolar disorder: An evolutionary psychoneuroimmunological approach. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 122(122), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.031
The content of the International Bipolar Foundation blogs is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician and never disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read in any IBPF content.
