Bipolar Disorder

Understanding the Basics

By By Dr. Daniel Rodriguez 

Bipolar disorder is an illness that is widely discussed, but frequently misunderstood. We often hear people proclaim that they are bipolar or that a family member is. Common belief is that an individual who is frequently irritable or has changes in mood may be bipolar. As we will see,this alone is not usually enough to warrant a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
The bipolar spectrum includes a wide range of symptoms, but just because you have some of the symptoms, doesn’t mean you are necessarily bipolar. There are specific criteria to diagnose an individual as bipolar but only a mental health professional can do a proper evaluation and diagnosis. One of the most important factors to consider is the severity of the symptoms, to what degree they affect their quality of life and how mal adaptive they have become.
Diagnosing Bipolar
Bipolarity came to the public’s attention when pop star Britney Spears was rumored to be bipolar. She was treated as an in patient and continued as an outpatient for follow-up visits. It is estimated that only 3 percent of the general population suffers from bipolar disorder.
The bipolar spectrum includes various diagnoses, including bipolar type 1, bipolar type 2 and cyclothymic disorder.Bipolar type 1 is the most severe form of the disorder; it is characterized by the presence of manic episodes and depressive states. Mania is a state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, arousal, and/ or energy levels, and is sometimes accompanied by psychotic symptoms.
Bipolar type 2 is characterized by the presence of hypo-manic episodes and depressive states that alternate. Cyclothymic disorder is a chronic bipolar disorder consisting of short periods of mild depression and short periods of hypomania. These symptoms may last a few days to a number of weeks and are less intense than in bipolar type 1. The onset is separated by short periods of normal mood.
If after reading the criteria for the different diagnoses in the bipolar spectrum you suspect that you or a love one may suffer from bipolar disorder, what can you do? First you must find a mental health professional, either a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can do an adequate evaluation and diagnosis.Many people are confused about the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. Who should treat patients who suffer from bipolar disorder? The ideal answer is that both professionals should work together to provide the best care possible.
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist
The psychiatrist prescribes medication in order to manage the illness and performs a medical evaluation to rule out factors that don’t explain the symptoms. Psychologists may provide psychotherapy to work in con junction with pharmaceutical treatment and help to educate the patient or family members about the illness. A less common, but essential practice, is for therapists to help individuals with social and work rehabilitation following a bipolar episode. Medication can’t adequately address these issues.
Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that if left untreated can lead to poor quality of life, severe life complications or even death. Finding the correct doctor and therapist is key for successful management of the disorder. Although bipolarity is a serious condition, individuals can thrive and lead productive, well adjusted lives. The help is there. It’s just a matter of seeking it.
Dr. Daniel Rodriguez is a licensed psychologist practicing in Tijuana. For more information, contact him at
director@orientacionsexual.org