I think my husband is bipolar


Common Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Men

Do racing thoughts make words come flying out followed quickly by extreme bouts of irritability?

Do you quickly go from feeling on top of the world and indulging in risky behavior for days, only the next morning wanting to isolate yourself, having zero desire to eat, and feeling sad and hopeless?

Do you feel like you are on a perpetual roller coaster of feeling slow, burned out, and down for weeks at a time, followed by a big burst of energy where you want to do everything at once and do it right now–whew!

Bipolar disorder was first documented in an article in the mid-1800s by the French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret as “la folie circulaire,” which translates to English as “circular insanity.” He notes the switch in behavior from manic excitement to severe depression.

That phrase remains the main description of bipolar, which is a mood disorder driven by swings between extreme highs and extreme lows. It is far from a diagnosis of insanity, but it does generally mean the circular behavior pattern must be broken to have a productive, balanced life.

In the United States, 2.6% of males ages 13-18 and 2.9% of males ages 18 and older have experienced bipolar disorder, according to a national survey. There are multiple types of bipolar disorder defined by duration and intensity of the mood types, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Table of Contents

Bipolar I and Bipolar II Are the Most Common Types With Two Main Differentiators:

  • Bipolar I: A person may experience a manic episode of extreme highs lasting around seven days or requiring hospitalization. This may or may not be followed by an extremely depressed period lasting around two weeks.
  • Bipolar II: A person may experience a less-intense version of mania called hypomania, which is not as severe as bipolar I. A depressive episode may occur before or after the hypomania. This depressive state can be severe and one condition of bipolar is not more or less serious than another.
  • Cyclothymic disorder. This type of disorder can occur when the mania or depression episode lasts longer than two years.
  • Other: This type of disorder could be rooted in substance use disorder affecting mood or other health concerns.

How Do I Know If I Am (Or My Loved One Is) Bipolar?

Identifying bipolar disorder is very strategic because there are behavioral explanations that first need to be ruled out. Since the disorder is more commonly seen in teenage years than perhaps someone in their 40s, somebody might be inclined to gloss over symptoms as typical teenage behavior.

If the behavior of manic highs continues to be repeated over time with potentially dangerous consequences or depressed periods lasting longer than two weeks, a visit to a medical professional is in order. A routine physical including blood work can rule out other physical contributors and a full mental wellness evaluation can be performed.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Mania

  • Showing intense happiness or silliness for a long time
  • Having a very short temper or seeming extremely irritable
  • Talking very fast or having racing thoughts
  • Having an inflated sense of ability, knowledge, and power
  • Doing reckless things that show poor judgment

These symptoms may be more manic and an episode may require hospitalization until the person can be stabilized, as in bipolar I.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Depression

  • Feeling very sad or hopeless
  • Feeling lonely or isolating themselves from others
  • Eating too much or too little
  • Having little energy and no interest in usual activities
  • Sleeping too much

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar

These symptoms may come before or after a hypomanic episode in bipolar II disorder.

A bipolar disorder diagnosis may be delayed because those closest to the individual didn’t realize the behavior indicated a bigger issue or the first diagnosis of another condition was inaccurate. Pregnancy and seasonal affective disorder might be considered as causes for symptoms.

A mental health professional will determine if a manic or depressed episode has previously been experienced, and will also ask about the individual’s behaviors and experiences over a course of time. A mood-disorder questionnaire with 13 questions is often used as an important diagnostic tool to assess symptom clusters and to avoid misdiagnosis.

In a survey by the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (DMDA), 69% of patients with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed initially and more than one-third remained misdiagnosed for 10 years or more.

As you learn more about the whys, whos, and whats, it's important to remember that although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a bipolar disorder treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

  • Family history as a contributing factor is most prevalent with childhood-onset below the age of 12, similar over onset ages 12-40 years, and falls sharply thereafter. Genetics as a factor remains of interest due to the rate of commonality within generations, but there has not been a direct gene link identified.
  • Age of onset is a contributor to delays in adulthood of education, marriage, living independently, maintaining a job, and having children. Treatment to manage bipolar at its earliest indications is the most effective manner to achieve adult lifestyle goals.

How Old Are You Generally When Diagnosed With This Disorder?

For men and women alike, bipolar disorder is most likely to appear in late teens to early 20s and 4.4% of all Americans will have some experience with bipolar during their life. It has been found that the onset of bipolar I began with 5% in childhood, 28% in adolescence, and 53% at peak ages 15-25. Generally bipolar disorder is more common in women than in men.

Men Show Bipolar Signs Earlier Than Women

Two major differences between men and women that have been documented are that men generally display symptoms earlier and are less prone to the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.

Teens and young adults with bipolar disorder symptoms may think and talk about self-harm or suicide. If someone you know is expressing these thoughts, seek help immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Bipolar More Common In Younger-aged Males Than Older Ages

In terms of ages and percentages experiencing bipolar, 2.6% of males ages 13-18 are diagnosed as bipolar, with the most common ages being 16-18.

In men ages 18 and older, 2.9% are diagnosed as bipolar, with the most common occurrence of 4.7% for ages 18-29, dropping exponentially in older age groups.

The number of people in their 30s to early 40s is 3.5% experiencing bipolar, dropping to 2.2% of those ages 45-59. Fewer than 1% of those older than 60 experience bipolar.

Bipolar Disorder Can Co-occur With Other Disorders

Young people with bipolar disorder can have several problems at the same time. These include:

  • Misuse of alcohol and drugs
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Anxiety disorders

How Can Bipolar Signs & Symptoms Affect Daily Life?

If left untreated, some side effects that come with bipolar may affect a person’s daily life:

  • Job or education responsibilities
  • Inability to care for dependents or self
  • Financial stress, possibly bankruptcy, eviction, or car repossessed
  • Loss of social connections as friendships suffer
  • Dysfunctional family relationships displaying codependency, resentment, family estrangement, or divorce

If a person is diagnosed with a severe impairment that impedes their ability to work, it may make them eligible for disability benefits.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Treatment helps many people, even those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder. Doctors treat bipolar disorder with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of treatments.

Medications

Certain mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics can help control the symptoms of bipolar disorder and several may be tried in the process before the right ones are identified for your chemical makeup.

Mood stabilizers such as lithium can help prevent mood episodes or reduce their severity when they occur. Lithium also decreases the risk of suicide. Additional medications that target sleep or anxiety are sometimes added to mood stabilizers as part of a whole treatment plan.

Because of the chemical makeup of these medications, it is extremely dangerous to abruptly stop taking them without a doctor’s supervision. Serious side effects may occur. If you feel you may want to go off your medication, it is important to do it with your doctor’s guidance to carefully reduce the medication safely and appropriately.

Psychotherapy With a Doctor

Psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Psychotherapy can offer support, education, skills, and strategies to people with bipolar disorder and their families.

Therapy with family can also be beneficial as the symptoms of bipolar disorder can strongly affect the overall dynamics of a family’s day-to-day function.

So You’re Home After Treatment, Now What?

There is a constant effort toward researching bipolar disorder causes and treatments, including by the National Institutes on Mental Health. For now, knowing it can be managed is important to keep in mind.

Whether you are managing your bipolar disorder or supporting someone living with it, it can successfully be built into day-to-day living. You will already have skills in place upon leaving an outpatient treatment program; treatment is a start but recovery takes time.

Continue with the following:

  • Keep medical and therapy appointments, and talk with the provider about treatment options.
  • Take all medicines as directed.
  • Structure activities: keep a routine for eating and sleeping, and make sure to get enough sleep and exercise.
  • Recognize your mood swings and approach them with methods learned in treatment. Keep a chart recording onset, length, and frequency of symptoms.
  • Ask for support with treatment and daily life experiences.

Remember, bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, but long-term, ongoing treatment can help control symptoms and enable you or your loved one to live a healthy life.

How Can I Find Treatment to Manage Bipolar Disorder?

Struggling with mental illness is extremely difficult. Not only does it impact an individual on an emotional level, but it can also leave them with several physical complications. At SUN Behavioral Health, our master’s-level clinicians provide care for these specific challenges surrounding mental illness.

Millions of Americans suffer from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and other conditions. It can be a lonely, confusing, and emotional experience but you are not alone. If you or someone you love is struggling, SUN Behavioral Health in Houston can help.

At SUN, we’ve created a caring, healing environment and will be there for every step of your journey to recovery. Please call us today at 713-796-2273 to help you, your family, and your loved one.

Bipolar Treatment in Houston

If you or a loved one is suffering from bipolar disorder, the team at SUN Behavioral in Houston can help you recover. Call us today!

713-796-2273

FAQs:

How Can I Tell If My Husband Is Bipolar?

Living with someone gives you a unique perspective on their particular personality. Someone may have a seemingly odd trait, like not being able to go to bed unless they unload the dishwasher first. This may be quirky or annoying, but not harmful or concerning. On the other end of the spectrum, if they have a bad day at work they may find comfort in putting on some comfy clothes and heading straight to bed. Again, this behavior is not hurting anybody or a big cause for concern.

If your husband answers the phone and interrupts you by talking a mile a minute and bouncing around several topics, without ever finding out why you called, it is a bit more concerning. If you notice he’s unable to relax with a movie together and keeps puttering around the house or heading out on errands with a lot of talking throughout, lasting for several days, pay attention. If this activity is inevitably followed by days in bed and crying jags, only to have it all continue again with no real middle ground, a visit to a professional could be in order. If commitments aren’t being met, bills go unpaid, and you’re constantly wondering what you’re going to see on the other side of the door when you walk in the house, your voice would be helpful at that appointment to provide an overall picture for your doctor.

What Are The Common Warning Signs Of Bipolar Disorder?

Common warning signs of bipolar disorder are when around three or more of the manic symptoms and three of the depressed symptoms are seen during an episode. Mania symptoms include racing thoughts, risk-taking, extreme agitation, little need for sleep, easily distracted, jumpy, or heightened sense of well-being.

What Can Be Mistaken For Bipolar Disorder?

Unipolar depression is the most common disorder to be mistaken as bipolar. It has the same symptoms as bipolar, with a few exceptions. Bipolar disorder has more episodes of depressed occurrences and can also tip into the mania element. Therefore misdiagnosis affects treatment, avoiding medications that should be used to manage bipolar disorder effectively.

Is My Spouse Bipolar? - Free by the Sea

October 22nd, 2020 | By Dr. Richard Crabbe

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Is My Spouse Bipolar?

In any relationship, there are both high times and road bumps. However, when someone you love is bipolar, emotions can run high and low in a sporadic manner. It can be a stressful and confusing situation when your significant other suffers from bipolar disorder. If you’re currently asking yourself, “is my spouse bipolar” due to some of the challenges he or she is facing, it’s important to know more about the disorder and how you can help.

Bipolar disorder affects millions of people every single year, many of whom are wives and husbands to others. Understanding bipolar disorder and helping your spouse is a great way to build a strong relationship and improve the situation. While it may be complicated to predict, there are things you can do to help your spouse and yourself.

Let’s take a look at bipolar disorder and the telling signs associated with it. It’s important that you and your spouse are not alone in this journey, Free by the Sea has your back. Let us be your helping hand towards a happier and healthier relationship later on. 

A Closer Look at Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that occurs when a person has extreme mood changes. Typically, people with bipolar disorder will switch back and forth emotionally. They may switch from being cheery and happy to aggressive or depressed. This switch back and forth can be stressful to manage and cope with.

Bipolar disorder runs through families and continues to plague millions of people every year. The cause of the bipolar disorder is unknown as of right now but it can be managed with the right level of treatment. Let’s take a closer look at the two types of bipolar disorder and their effects. 

Mania and Hypomania

Another thing that should be addressed is mania and hypomania. These episodes are major indicators of potential bipolar disorder in your spouse or loved one. Both hypomania and mania have the same symptoms (but mania is more intense), both involve the following behaviors:

  • Decreased need for sleep 
  • Extremely talkative
  • Easily distracted
  • Poor-decision making
  • Strangely jumpy, energetic, and wired

Manic Depressive Episodes

Another element of bipolar disorder is manic depressive episodes. A manic depressive episode can cause many issues in a person’s life. You may be able to notice clear difficulty in your spouse’s day-to-day responsibilities, work, or school. Symptoms of a manic depressive episode include:

  • Fatigue
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Restlessness and slowed behavior
  • Loss of interest and pleasure in almost all activities
  • Extreme weight loss (when they’re not dieting) or weight gain
  • Feeling of hopelessness, emptiness, sadness, and overall depressed

Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II

There are two primary types of bipolar disorder, bipolar I and bipolar II. It’s important to know the difference so you can have an idea of what your spouse may be going through. Look out for these signs in your spouse so you can get the right treatment and stay informed. 

Bipolar I

Bipolar I is considered to be a more severe version of bipolar disorder. It typically includes manic and unpredictable episodes that include:

  • Impulsive behavior (usually with severe consequences)
  • Hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions
  • Hospitalization for safety

These manic episodes usually have the person seeking pleasurable activities without any care or regard for the consequences. They may indulge in anything from gambling to using drugs. It is important to be aware of these signs, especially if it’s a case of undiagnosed bipolar disorder. 

Bipolar II

Bipolar II is not as severe as bipolar I and typically involves a person experiencing hypomanic episodes. These episodes include abnormal or out-of-character behavior which includes:

  • Rapid speech behavior
  • Lack of sleep (decreased need to sleep)
  • Extreme energy and drive

When someone you love is bipolar and experiences hypomanic episodes, they may intensely pursue sex with you or other people. Since these episodes involve an energetic spouse, they may stay up all night to discuss things or ideas.  

Is My Spouse Bipolar?

In some cases, bipolar disorder can be the cause of tension and troubles in a relationship among other problems. However, you and your spouse may not be aware that bipolar disorder is the root of the issue. Undiagnosed bipolar disorder can cause a series of issues with you or your partner without even knowing it. 

It’s important to be aware of the signs of possible bipolar disorder in you or your spouse. Look out for shifts between extreme periods of sadness and periods of excessive excitement and energy. Let’s take a look at some of the other symptoms associated with bipolar disorder:

  • Delusions
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Rapid speech and thoughts
  • Impulsive and dangerous behavior
  • Risky and irresponsible driving choices
  • Heightened self-confidence and optimism
  • Extreme money spending and shopping sprees
  • An over-the-top view of their abilities and qualities

Bipolar disorder in men and in women may differ. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to get help. If you notice any of these symptoms in your spouse, Free by the Sea may be able to help you. Over time, more intense cases of bipolar disorder can become dangerous and risky, so it’s important to act fast. 

Is My Husband Bipolar: Bipolar Disorder in Men

Bipolar disorder can affect men and women differently. For men, in particular, manic episodes tend to be more violent and aggressive. Reckless behavior and acting out are not uncommon in men with bipolar disorder. These impulsive and risky behaviors are heightened during these manic episodes. 

Additionally, men are also more likely to turn to substance and drug abuse during manic cycles. They tend to self-medicate more than women do. It is also no surprise that alcohol and substances only make these symptoms worse in men. This can also lead to co-occurring disorders – where a person is struggling with both drug addiction and mental illness. 

Is My Wife Bipolar: Bipolar Disorder in Women

Women are also affected by these manic episodes in a unique way. There are certain factors in women that may affect the shifts between depressive states and energetic episodes. Changing hormones during their menstrual cycle, menopause, and pregnancy can all dictate how severe a person’s bipolar disorder may be. 

With both men and women, it’s important to be aware of these signs. While certain factors may increase the severity of the bipolar disorder, it is still a condition that needs treatment. Symptoms can continue to worsen and certain behaviors may lead to injury and death in the long run.

Making a Bipolar Relationship Work

If you are concerned that your husband or wife is dealing with bipolar disorder, there are a couple of things you can do to help. While relationships like this can be sporadic and stressful, it is not impossible to get help for a better future. 

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you are not alone. It is completely possible and achievable to make a bipolar relationship work. Getting the proper treatment and being a supportive force in your spouse’s life can make a world of difference.  

Treating Bipolar Disorder

The first order of business is to get your spouse the proper treatment. Bipolar disorder is best treated by professionals in a trusted facility like Free by the Sea. You and your spouse don’t have to go through this process alone. While bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, there are still options to manage its symptoms and episodes. Let’s take a look at some of the common ways to treat bipolar disorder. 

Medication Options

Certain medications can help tame some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Usually, these medications include mood-stabilizers and antipsychotics. Different medications can also target certain aspects of bipolar disorder like depression and sleep patterns. Consult with your doctor to see if medication is the right choice for you or your spouse. 

Therapy Options

Psychotherapy is one of the most common forms of treatment for cases of mental illness and drug addiction. What some of these therapy options aim to do is completely change how you think and how you view yourself. These individualized therapy sessions can be eye-opening and very effective in treating cases of bipolar disorder. 

Options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can offer guidance towards change. CBT helps a person change their thought processes and behaviors. Family-centered therapy is also another great option for you and your spouse who’s dealing with bipolar disorder. Free by the Sea offers a variety of therapy options just for you and your spouse. 

Other Options To Try at Home

Treatment can come in other forms as well. Practicing regular exercising and anaerobic exercises can help depression and anxiety. Additionally, exercise can promote a better sleep schedule. Couples counseling is also an option as well, continuing to improve and nurture your relationship can be very beneficial. 

Keeping a life chart of your mood changes and swings can be very useful for you and your spouse. Over time, this information can become useful in seeing patterns during and after treatment. This info can also be shared with your therapist for improved treatment. 

Get Help Today

When someone you love is bipolar, it can be a tough and stressful experience for both you and them. Fortunately, you aren’t alone in your struggle. Let Free by the Sea help you towards a better life. We offer a variety of treatment options for drug addiction and mental health disorders like bipolar disorder. Contact us today to learn more about our resources and treatment options. 

Dr. Richard Crabbe

Dr. Richard Crabbe joined our team in 2019 as our psychiatrist and medical director. He attended the University of Ghana Medical School where he became a Medical Doctor in 1977. From 1978 through 1984, he was a medical officer in the Ghana Navy and provided a variety of services from general medicine to surgeries. He received his Certificate in General Psychology from the American Board of Psychology and Neurology in 2002.

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