Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable mood swings. Along with the mood swings come major shifts in energy, concentration, and activity levels, which impacts thoughts and emotions. Here we take a closer look at the way this complex condition affects how a person with bipolar thinks. We delve into the changes in thought patterns, the speed of processing thoughts, and how mood state colors the thoughts.
Bipolar Disorder Overview
Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder that features extreme shifts between two emotional states: depression and mania. However, not every person with bipolar will experience the same types or severity of the mood swings.
Bipolar typically appears first in the teen or early adult years, and affects 2.8% of the U.S. adult population. Bipolar affects males and females at about the same rate. While there can be long periods of calm between the depression or mania, this disorder is difficult to predict.
To date there is no consensus on the exact cause of bipolar disorder. Known factors that can increase risk include:
- Genetics. There is a family history of bipolar or mental illness.
- Brain function. There is irregular brain structure, chemistry, or functioning.
- Chronic stress. The person may be under severe stress for a protracted period.
Four Types of Bipolar Disorder
The DSM-5 identifies four distinct types of bipolar, each with unique features. These are:
- Bipolar I.Bipolar I is the most prevalent of the four types. Bipolar I features one or more manic episodes, with or without depressive episodes occurring. The mania must last a week or longer and be severe enough to require hospitalization.
- Bipolar II. Bipolar II features shifts between hypomania and depression. Hypomania is a less severe type of mania.
- Cyclothymic disorder. Cyclothymia is defined by depressive and mania episodes that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder episodes. This type of bipolar lasts two years or longer, with intermittent periods of normal mood lasting less than eight weeks.
- Unspecified bipolar disorder. Bipolar not otherwise specified is present when the symptoms don’t fit into the other three types. Unspecified bipolar still involves episodes of unusual manic mood.
Bipolar Thought Patterns
To understand how a person with bipolar thinks, one must first understand the way manic and depressive episodes manifest. The symptoms of each of the mood states impact thought patterns and the way the person thinks during the episode.
Symptoms and thought patterns of manic or depressive episodes:
Manic episode symptoms:
- Euphoria
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty staying focused
- Rapid speech
- Aggressive behavior
- Irritability or agitation
- Decreased need for sleep
- Impulsive and/or risky behaviors
- Psychosis
How a person thinks during a manic episode:
- Having multiple thoughts all at once, sometimes making it hard to focus on or process the thoughts
- Having a rush of ideas that prompt you to take on multiple projects at once
- Thoughts of grandiosity
- Disorganized thoughts
- Thoughts of not wanting to fail to complete tasks, and will sacrifice sleep to do so
Depressive episode symptoms:
- Persistent low mood
- Feelings of hopelessness and despair
- Intense fatigue
- Very low energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Chronic pain with no known medical cause
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Excessive worry
- Suicidal thoughts
How a person with bipolar thinks during a depressive episode:
- Thoughts of worthlessness or despair
Negative thoughts, a bleak outlook
Catastrophizing, always thinking about the worst possible outcomes
Thoughts about death or suicide
How to Manage Bipolar Thinking
Once you recognize how a person with bipolar thinks, you can begin to put together some coping strategies. These are techniques that allow you to better process and manage your thoughts. Consider adding these 5 actions to your routine
- Keep a journal. Journaling helps you express your thoughts in a tangible way. Keeping a journal lets you reflect on your day and put thoughts and feelings about your experiences into written words.
- Mindfulness. This is a type of meditation that trains your mind to focus on the here and now instead of fretting about the past or future. Racing thoughts centered on fear or regret are reigned in by practicing mindfulness.
- Grounding. Grounding techniques involve getting outside standing barefoot on the grass or dirt while focusing on the natural beauty around you. This can have very relaxing affects, which calm your mind.
- Creative pursuits. Taking up a craft or artistic hobby allows you to distract yourself from the disorder and focus on something productive. Exploring creative outlets can disrupt dysfunctional thinking patterns.
- Relaxation techniques. Pursue activities that produce a calming effect on you. These might be deep breathing techniques, gardening, yoga, or meditation.
Treatment Solutions for Bipolar Disorder
The symptoms of bipolar can affect your thoughts, memory, and general cognitive functions. How a person with bipolar thinks will vary based on the severity, but with treatment the symptoms are manageable. If bipolar disorder is causing significant disruption in your life, a residential treatment program can provide personalized care and support.
Here is what treatment for bipolar looks like:
- CBT. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps you identify the distorted thoughts and make meaningful changes in thought-behavior patterns. Through CBT you learn how your thought patterns can impact your mood and behaviors, and learn how to manage them better.
- Medication.There are specific drugs that can help reduce bipolar symptoms. Meds are prescribed based on the person’s presenting symptoms.
- IPSRT. IPSRT helps people develop healthy routines, which regulates both biological and social rhythms. It does this by teaching medication adherence, stress management, and ways to reduce disruptions in social rhythms.
- Family support. Family members are invited to participate in their loved one’s recovery process by joining them in therapy. Together family members learn new problem-solving skills, such as new ways to manage conflict and anger.
- Adjunct therapies. EMDR and light therapy are two types of adjunct therapies that improve treatment outcomes.
Now you have a better understanding about how a person with bipolar thinks, and how to improve the disordered thought patterns. Remember that bipolar is manageable with treatment and support.
LifeSync Malibu Residential Mental Health Treatment Center
LifeSync Malibu offers personalized primary mental health and dual diagnosis treatment within a spectacular Malibu setting. If you or someone you love is struggling with bipolar disorder and are considering a higher level of care, we would like to hear from you. Our top-notch clinical team provides the support and tools to help you navigate and manage this complex disorder. Call us today at (866) 491-4426