March 12, 2018

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.

Advertisement

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.”

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person on swing moving between happy and sad backgrounds.
February 21, 2023
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II: Breaking Down the Differences

Both include bouts of depression, but differ in their extremes

Sad woman emotional
September 15, 2021
Cyclothymia: Are Your Mood Swings Normal — or Something More?

Bipolar’s milder cousin has its own ups and downs

Hand trying to write on paper, with hand shaking, tremoring
March 12, 2024
Seizure Warning Signs and Symptoms May Not Be What You Expect

Seizure symptoms can go far beyond convulsions and may include feelings of déjà vu, temporary confusion and unusual movements

Person experiencing COVID headache, with calendar months floating in background
March 11, 2024
What To Know About COVID Headaches

They can feel like a typical headache or a migraine headache, but the pain can last for weeks to months

Patient at doctor office with physician checking their back
March 11, 2024
Is It Time To See a Doctor for My Aching Back?

It’s always a good idea to let a healthcare provider know about any back pain you’re experiencing, especially if it results from trauma or persists longer than three months

Close up of person pouring a cup of coffee
February 23, 2024
Does Caffeine Help Headaches?

It’s all about the amount — try to stick to 100 to 150 milligrams a day to reduce and prevent a pounding, throbbing head

blurred person looking out window in background with glass of wine and bottle in foreground
February 21, 2024
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Brain?

Even one drink can have an impact on your cognitive function leading to slurred speech, blurred vision and impaired memory

female on couch reading a nasal spray bottle label
February 20, 2024
What To Know About Nasal Spray for Migraines

Among the options is a fast-acting medication that offers relief in as little as 15 minutes

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad