Some mental health experts have described bipolar disorder as a spectrum disorderA spectrum disorder is a mental disorder that includes a range of linked conditions, sometimes also extending to include singular symptoms and traits. The different elements of a spectrum either have a similar appearance or are thought to be caused by the same underlying mechanism.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Spectrum_disorder
Is bipolar disorder on the autism spectrum? No. Bipolar disorder is not part of the autism spectrum, though an unusually large number of people with bipolar disorder are also autistic (and vice versa).
Doctors sometimes mistakenly diagnose autistic people with bipolar disorder because both conditions share some similar behavioral differences. Overlapping behavioral differences between ASD and bipolar disorder include: elevated or depressed mood. intense irritability.
A 2020 study suggests that nearly 23% of those with bipolar disorder could be considered high functioning. If you have high functioning bipolar disorder (HFBD), you might be able to manage your bipolar disorder symptoms and complete your daily responsibilities and functions.
Brain Changes
Research shows bipolar disorder may damage the brain over time. Experts think it's because you slowly lose amino acids. They help build the proteins that make up the insulation around your neurons.
A stressful circumstance or situation often triggers the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Examples of stressful triggers include: the breakdown of a relationship. physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
Some additional overlapping symptoms of autism and bipolar disorder could include: talking excessively or rapidly. increased stimming (repetitive movements or noises) or fidgeting. impulsivity.
Types of Neurodivergence
Some other conditions such as schizophrenia, OCD, anti-social personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, dissociative disorder, and bipolar disorder can be classed as a form of neurodivergence too.
Both the ADA and SSA consider bipolar disorder a disability. That qualifies you to get extra protection and benefits under the law. To start the process, talk with your doctor. You will need documents to prove to the government that bipolar disorder affects your ability to work.
The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old. A 2021 study researched the effect of bipolar disorder on longevity and found that: risk of death is 2.6 times greater than the general population. the average life span is between 8–12 years shorter than the general population.
Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, typically it's diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms may vary over time.
Bipolar I disorder is the most severe form of the illness. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by predominantly depressive episodes accompanied by occasional hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are milder than manic episodes but can still impair functioning.
Bipolar disorder can be confused with other conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, BPD, anxiety, and ADHD. Detecting and diagnosing bipolar disorder may take some time. But getting a correct, early diagnosis often results in better outcomes.
This cycle can range from mania to anxiety to depression and can include bouts of rage or violence. Much has been studied regarding the link between bipolar disorder and Asperger's syndrome, which have very similar symptoms (one can also be diagnosed with both).
In a 2018 study on Asperger's syndrome, a condition now included under the scope of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), researchers found as many as 27% of autistic children showed symptoms of bipolar disorder.
BD may be a type of neurodivergence since differences in brain functioning and structure may be a potential cause of the condition. As a result, a person with bipolar could identify as neurodivergent.
The number of episodes within a patient's lifetime varies. Some individuals may have only two or three within their lifetime while others may have the same number within a single year. Frequency of episodes depends on many factors including the natural course of the condition as well as on appropriate treatment.
You'll typically need mood-stabilizing medication to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). Antipsychotics.
Sensory overload: Many people with bipolar disorder are sensitive to noise and other sensory input. They may have deficits in sensory gating, the ability to block out unnecessary sensory information.
"It appears that people with bipolar disorder process sensory information differently and this is seen in their inability to adapt their movement patterns to different conditions, such as eyes open vs. eyes closed or feet together vs.
Overstimulation. There are many examples of overwhelming overstimulation in bipolar disorder. “Racing thoughts” is one symptom of bipolar mania or hypomania and many people experience a flooding of thoughts so fast and furious that they can't keep up.
Childhood trauma
Some experts believe that experiencing a lot of emotional distress as a child can cause bipolar disorder to develop. This could be because childhood trauma and distress can have a big effect on your ability to manage your emotions. This can include experiences like: Neglect.
“When stressed, bipolar patients will often, out of desperation, reach for anything to calm themselves or take away the stress even for a moment. Drugs, binge-eating, or excessive shopping can be unhealthy coping mechanisms that can bring on mood episodes,” Dr. Israel says.
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.