For some people, bipolar disorder can cause episodes of depression. People can manage bipolar-related depression using medications, therapies, and other treatments.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that involves shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity levels.

Depending on the type of bipolar a person has, they may experience episodes of depression that interfere with their completion of daily tasks.

These symptoms of depression are similar to those of other depression-related mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder. However, people with bipolar disorder may also experience episodes of mania or hypomania.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but people can manage the symptoms of depression and mania and prevent complications with treatment.

This article will discuss the symptoms of and treatments for bipolar depression.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. Treatments aim to stabilize a person’s mood and help them manage other symptoms.

In some cases, a person’s mood changes can be severe.

Mental health professionals adapt treatments to the individual to help reduce their impact on daily life and mental well-being.

Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involvesTrusted Source a combination of medication and therapy.

There are several types of medication for people with bipolar disorder. The type will depend on the type and severity of symptoms.

Some of the most common types of medication for treating bipolar disorder are:

These medications can have side effects, some of which can become serious. For example, using antipsychotic medication for a long time can causeTrusted Source weight gain, changes in cholesterol levels, and heart problems.

Mental health professionals often recommend psychotherapy alongside medication to treat bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy.

Psychotherapy has a range of benefits in addition to treating symptoms, such as providing support and education about living with bipolar disorder.

Types of psychotherapy include:

Combinations of medication and therapy are effective for many people. If a person finds that their medications are not having the desired effect, a mental health professional may recommend alternative options.

For example, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses electrical pulses to induce a seizure, which has an impact on symptoms through pathways as yet unknown. ECT can be effective for people with severe, treatment-resistant bipolar disorder.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Trusted Source says that modern ECT methods hold promise for treating mental health conditions. However, ECT methods may cause the following side effects:

Research is currently underway to develop new treatment approaches relating to brain stimulation, lifestyle modification, and new drugs as treatments for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder can also lead to a range of physical health complications over time, such as cardiovascular disease.

Healthcare professionals will determine the best course of action to prevent or treat these complications on a case-by-case basis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of bipolar disorder differ depending on the type, with differences in the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes.

Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes lasting at least 7 daysTrusted Source or less if the symptoms are so severe that the person requires hospitalization. People may also experience depressive episodes, typically lasting 2 weeks, though people with bipolar I may never experience this.

People with bipolar II disorder tend to experience hypomanic episodes that are preceded or followed by a major depressive episode.

During episodes of depression, symptoms can include:

  • low mood
  • feelings of helplessness and worthlessness
  • irritability
  • lack of energy
  • difficulty concentrating
  • loss of interest in daily life
  • delusions
  • suicidal thoughts

During episodes of mania, symptoms can include:

  • emotional highs, or being very happy
  • hyperactivity
  • talking very quickly, with rapid changes in topic
  • rapid thoughts
  • feelings of self-importance
  • engaging in spontaneous, harmful behaviors
  • delusions

Episode frequency can vary. Some may experience rapid-cycle episodes or extended periods of depression or mania. Others may experience mixed symptoms, where depression occurs during a manic episode.

In the long term, people with bipolar disorder can experience serious physical health issues, including:

These complications can become severe. In fact, one study estimates that the average life expectancy of people with bipolar disorder is around 13 years lower than it is for people without the condition.

However, effective treatment will reduce the risk of a person developing health complications related to bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

A doctor may referTrusted Source a person to a mental health professional, who can then assess them for bipolar disorder.

The mental health professional will ask questions about:

  • life events
  • general well-being
  • family history of mental health conditions

Diagnosing bipolar disorder can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions, such as depression or psychosis.

Also, some people may initially experience a major depressive episode without manic or hypomanic symptoms. They may also have other mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders. All of these factors can make diagnosis more complex.

When to see a doctor

Mental health issues affect everyone differently. If someone suspects that they or a loved one may have bipolar disorder, they can talk with a healthcare professional.

It is worth visiting a doctor for any persistent symptoms relating to mood or anxiety, or other symptoms of a mental health condition.

Though often less visible, mental health is as important as physical health.

A person should talk with their doctor if their current bipolar treatment is causing side effects. The NIMH advises thatTrusted Source people should avoid stopping medication abruptly, as this can worsen symptoms and cause withdrawal effects.

Causes

It is currently unclear what causes bipolar disorder, but it likely results from a mix of biological and environmental factors.

Risk factors for bipolar disorder includeTrusted Source:

  • a family history of mental illness
  • genetics
  • brain structure and function

Bipolar disorder can cause episodes of depression.

With medication, therapy, and the help of a mental health professional, people can manage the symptoms of bipolar depression to stabilize their mood and prevent future health complications.