Locations:
Search IconSearch

4 Myths You Shouldn’t Believe About Bipolar Disorder

Discover the facts about this brain illness

Bipolar Disorder

Swinging wildly between euphoria and depression. Psychotic breaks. That’s how many people view bipolar disorder.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But the reality is quite different, says psychiatrist Amit Anand, MD. Here, he upends common misconceptions about the brain disorder:

Myth 1: Bipolar disorder is a severe mental illness

“Many people believe that those with bipolar disorder are out of control and psychotic,” says Dr. Anand. “But we have learned over the last few decades that milder forms of bipolar disorder are much more common.”

The two main types of bipolar illness are bipolar I and bipolar II. Beyond that, bipolar illness takes many forms.

  • In bipolar I, episodes of mania and depression can be quite severe.
  • In bipolar II, depression may be severe, but the highs are much milder, do not truly impair function and may even make people more productive.
  • In a much larger group of people, very mild or very few symptoms of mania occur for short periods of time — not enough to warrant a diagnosis. Some of these individuals are quite successful.

“Thus, most people with bipolar disorder live in the community and may never be admitted to a psychiatric hospital,” says Dr. Anand.

Myth 2: Mood swings always mean bipolar disorder

“Mood swings happen for many different reasons, including the weather, the menstrual cycle, common medications like steroids, and substance use,” says Dr. Anand.

Moodiness can also occur with medical illnesses such as hormone disorders, autoimmune diseases and neurological problems.

Advertisement

And mood swings occur with other brain illnesses, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain personality disorders.

What sets bipolar disorder apart? “The illness represents a change from the usual self,” explains Dr. Anand. “Also, depression lasts for several weeks at a time, and mania lasts for several days at a time. We look for a season of summer — not one hot day.”

Myth 3: Depression and mania are cyclical

People often assume that in bipolar disorder, periods of mania alternate regularly with periods of depression.

“In bipolar disorder, mood is more often chaotic, with random combinations of symptoms,” says Dr. Anand. “It is not cyclical.”

This helps fuel the turmoil that often unravels relationships with family, friends and coworkers — even in mild cases of bipolar disorder.

That is why treatment is so important.

Myth 4: Bipolar disorder is difficult to treat

We have very, very effective treatments for bipolar illness,” says Dr. Anand. “Patients generally respond well to mood-stabilizing drugs, sometimes combined with antidepressants and/or drugs for mania.”

Psychotherapy is always recommended, he says, and offers many benefits by:

  • Providing insight into the illness. “When people with bipolar disorder are depressed, they’re aware that they are in pain,” he says. “But when they are manic and feel very, very good, they don’t see a problem.”
  • Teaching stress management strategies. Learning to manage stress, which can trigger mania and depression, is vital in bipolar disorder.
  • Helping with problem-solving. People with bipolar disorder can learn how to deal better with family problems and work difficulties.
  • Educating people about self-care. “When you have bipolar disorder, maintaining regular daily routines is critical,” says Dr. Anand. “But many people don’t sleep or eat at the right times, which causes more mood problems and creates a vicious cycle.”

Where to get help

If you suspect that you or someone you love may have bipolar disorder, get a full evaluation from a psychiatrist.

“Too often, bipolar disorder is not diagnosed, or it is mistaken for another problem,” says Dr. Anand. “Get one good diagnostic evaluation. Then, know that some very effective treatments can help you lead a normal life, like anyone else.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Elderly patient’s hand being held by a caregiver
November 1, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: Are They The Same?

Alzheimer’s is just one common cause of cognitive decline categorized as ‘dementia’

Person with head against eye exam equipment, with provider looking through other end at eyes
October 30, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Your Vision Can Predict Dementia — Here’s How

Changes to your vision may have an impact on the way your brain processes information

Person holding head in forgetfulness next to close up of a brain and magnifying glass and DNA strand
October 29, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Understanding How Some Dementia Is Hereditary

Your risk for familial Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of hereditary dementia increases if an immediate family member has it

People in a park, walking a dog, sitting on bench, with a child and dotted lines of them running around
October 25, 2024/Children's Health
Autism and Elopement: What You Need To Know About Wandering

Securing your home, preparing your neighbors and teaching your loved one to swim are key to ensuring your child’s safety

Three happy females sitting at table outside playing cards
October 25, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
14 Ways To Limit Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Research suggests that up to 45% of current Alzheimer’s cases may have been avoidable

Child bent over coloring book, coloring with a marker
October 23, 2024/Children's Health
ADHD vs. Autism: What’s the Difference?

Between 50% and 70% of autistic people also have an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis

Smiling caregiver holding smiling toddler interacting with smiling healthcare provider in medical hallway
October 21, 2024/Children's Health
What ‘High-Functioning Autism’ Means (and Why You Shouldn’t Call It That)

Describing people as ‘high- or low-functioning’ is both medically inaccurate and dehumanizing

Anxious person in business attire, no shoes, sitting on ground, with large happy and sad faced documents floating around them
September 20, 2024/Mental Health
What Is Performance Anxiety? And Tips for Coping

Performance anxiety and stage fright are outsized stress responses that can creep up when you’re put on the spot

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad