What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that consists of a series of emotional highs and lows. Mayo Clinic (2024) explains, “When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania, you may feel excited and happy (euphoric), full of energy, or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.” (para. 2). During a manic episode, activity levels increase as the mood shifts up. Depressive episodes cause the mood to shift down, decreasing activity levels, and increasing feelings of hopelessness.
Why does Bipolar Disorder Occur?
Each year, 2.9% of the U.S. population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. (Banyan Treatment Center, 2025, para. 1). Genetics contribute to the likelihood of an individual having bipolar disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health states, “Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and research suggests this is mostly explained by heredity—people with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the disorder.”(para. 11).
How is the Brain Affected?
Someone with the disorder has reduced gray matter in their brain. The central nervous system is divided into gray and white matter. The gray matter controls movement, memory, and emotions. Banyan Treatment Centers explains, “Bipolar brain function is also associated with the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a role in learning, consolidating, and memory retrieval. It’s also involved in verbal memory functions, stress responses, emotions, goal-directed activity, and sensorimotor integration.”(para. 6). Effects of bipolar disorder on the brain include impaired memory, difficulty regulating emotions, speech impairment, and manic or depressive episodes.
What are the Treatment Options?
Similar to other mental health disorders, bipolar disorder can be treated with medication. Additionally, psychotherapy is a method used to offer support to those with bipolar disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health describes, “Psychotherapy can offer support, education, skills, and strategies to people with bipolar disorder and their families.”(para. 19).
Echoing Hills provides services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this sometimes includes assistance with mental health needs. Waiver services include training in independent living, social and vocational skills, counseling, and more. Our Intermediate Care Facilities support all aspects needed for individuals served, including Home/Facility, healthcare, transportation, and finances.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955
https://mentalhealth.banyantreatmentcenter.com/blog/bipolar-affect-on-the-brain/
