Caffeine While the evidence isn't conclusive, a systematic review published in 2021 noted that caffeine's stimulant effect may be responsible for triggering mania symptoms in some people, and it may also change the way certain medications used to treat bipolar disorder are metabolized in the body.
Most research on the effects of caffeine on people with bipolar disorder indicates that the stimulant may trigger manic episodes. Caffeine acts as a mood elevator. Some experts have suggested that caffeine may, as a result, trigger the disorder's manic episodes, which some may refer to as high periods.
Excessive caffeine intake can make mania or hypomania worse. Unfortunately, these persons often increase their caffeine intake while manic. Also, persons with ADHD tend to take more caffeine than others, probably to self-medicate their inattention and the fatigue that they often suffer from.
High levels of stress. Changes in sleep patterns or lack of sleep. Using recreational drugs or alcohol. Seasonal changes – for example, some people are more likely to experience hypomania and mania in spring.
While most bipolar disorder triggers revolve around a negative event, meeting goals and positive events can also be triggers of bipolar disorder. Winning an event, getting a promotion, or starting a new relationship can all trigger a manic episode.
Kraepelin, however, divided the “manic states” into four forms—hypomania, acute mania, delusional mania, and delirious mania—and noted that his observation revealed “the occurrence of gradual transitions between all the various states.” In a similar vein, Carlson and Goodwin, in their elegant paper of 1973, divided a ...
Signs of A Bipolar Meltdown
A burst of energy. Feeling irritable. Extremely happy and euphoric mood. Speaking fast.
After a manic or hypomanic episode you might: Feel very unhappy or ashamed about how you behaved. Have made commitments or taken on responsibilities that now feel unmanageable. Have only a few clear memories of what happened during your episode, or none at all.
Causes of Manic Episodes
Manic episodes are common in people with bipolar I disorder. But they can also be caused by other factors and health conditions, including: Brain injuries. Brain tumors.
A bipolar depression crash is usually the emotional fallout of a hypomanic or manic episode. It can also occur when something triggers bipolar depression or as a result of chemical or hormonal changes in the brain.
Symptoms of manic episodes include showing very high energy in speech and activity, agitation, and a reduced need for sleep. Symptoms of depressive episodes include low energy and motivation, lack of interest in daily activities and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
The bipolar states of mania and depression have a clear impact on cognitive function. The clinical criteria for mania include distractibility, inappropriate speech and behavior, increased goal-directed behavior, and a tendency to make decisions associated with potential painful consequences.
Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days (most of the day, nearly every day) or when manic symptoms are so severe that hospital care is needed. Usually, separate depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.
Acute increases in caffeine consumption may precede the occurrence of manic episodes in patients with BD, potentially through a direct stimulant effect, affecting sleep patterns and/or the metabolism of lithium or other medications, although increases in caffeine intake could also be a consequence of an ongoing manic ...
Lack of enough serotonin is thought to play a role in depression, anxiety, mania and other health conditions.
Many people with bipolar disorder may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, known as hypersomnia. Researchers are still unsure of the exact cause of hypersomnia in those with bipolar disorder. A doctor will often prescribe medication and suggest lifestyle changes to treat this sleep disturbance.
Getting manic symptoms under control usually curbs a decreased need for sleep, and consistently getting enough sleep can help reduce the risk of future manic episodes.
This is what makes hypomania a little tricky to diagnose. Key to a diagnosis of hypomania is that your elevated mood, behavior or activity level must last at least four days (all day or most of the day) and must rise to the level that's beyond normal and is noticeable by others.