Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that involves experiencing manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder is more than just having a bad day or a good day. This condition involves episodes that can typically last for several weeks to months on end. In this article, you’ll learn more about bipolar disorder, and can you develop bipolar disorder later in life below.
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What is Bipolar Disorder?
Before diving into the question “can you develop bipolar disorder later in life” it is critical to understand what bipolar disorder is. Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that involves episodes of mania and depression. It is important to understand that bipolar disorder is not impacted by an event, such as having a really good or bad week of work. Rather, bipolar disorder episodes can typically last for several weeks to months on end, inevitably impacting an individual’s mental well-being and quality of life.
When an individual with bipolar disorder experiences manic episodes they will have more energy than usual, and typically engage in more impulsive or riskier activities than they otherwise would. Meanwhile, during a depressive episode, an individual may experience feelings of hopelessness/worthlessness, and may be more toward themselves and isolated from friends and activities that they usually would participate in.
Can You Develop Bipolar Disorder Later in Life?
Now that you know more about bipolar disorder, it is critical to understand that typically most individuals develop and receive a diagnosis during childhood or adolescence. However, this does not mean if you do not receive a diagnosis when you are younger that you don’t necessarily have bipolar disorder.
Some individuals can develop and be diagnosed with bipolar disorder; however, these instances are rarer than being diagnosed at a younger age. If you or someone you know is unsure whether you may have bipolar disorder, it is critical to consider seeking out a professional diagnosis to better understand whether you have this condition.
Help Is Available
As you can see, the answer to “can you develop bipolar disorder later in life” is yes, yet it is less likely. While most individuals will develop and receive a diagnosis when they are younger (i.e. adolescence to early adulthood) this does not mean that you cannot develop and receive a diagnosis later on in life. If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, or another mental health disorder, it is critical to consider seeking professional support so that you can lead a healthier, happier life.
At Multi Concept Recovery, we are committed to helping patients safely and effectively lead healthier lives. We understand how difficult it can be to ask for help. That’s why our compassionate team of addiction specialists and mental health professionals are here to help you every step of the way along your unique recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to recognize whether or not you may be struggling with bipolar disorder, or another condition. Some common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder to look out for include shifts in manic to depressive episodes.
During a manic episode, you may experience symptoms like elevated mood, heightened sense of self esteem, racing thoughts, constantly feeling distracted, engaging in riskier behavior than usual, and more.
Meanwhile, individuals during a depressive episode may experience feelings of increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, feelings of sadness, and more.
Which bipolar disorder treatment is right for me?
We understand that each patient has their own unique range of recovery needs. Even if you are struggling with the same condition, like bipolar disorder, this does not mean you will benefit from the same treatments. This is why it is critical to receive personalized support for your recovery journey.
That being said, there are a range of common treatment options for bipolar disorder, such as psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, taking medications. Psychotherapy is a common treatment option for a range of mental illnesses, and can be highly beneficial in addressing your symptoms. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is one of the many types of psychotherapy that can help individuals with bipolar disorder to better manage their symptoms.
Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend taking certain medications to help supplement your recovery as you learn to better manage your symptoms. This can include taking medications like mood stabilizers to manage your symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as prioritizing good sleep quality, diet, and consistent exercise may also be recommended to help you better manage your symptoms and lead a healthier life.
Can a person suddenly develop bipolar disorder?
As you learned in this article, an individual can develop bipolar disorder later in life. However, typically a person does not develop this condition all of a sudden. Oftentimes, individuals with bipolar disorder will begin to notice symptoms gradually during their adolescence into young adulthood. While misdiagnosis of another condition such as depression can be common, this does not mean symptoms of bipolar disorder suddenly developed.
Additionally, there may be triggers that further exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as feelings of significant stress, sleep deprivation, or substance abuse.
You should never have to learn to suffer in silence with your addiction and mental illness. At Multi Concept Recovery, we are here to help you every step of the way along your road to recovery so you can receive the best possible care to regain control over your health and quality of life for the better. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your road to recovery.
