The Differences In Bipolar Disorder Symptoms In Women And Men
Bipolar disorder is a condition that can affect people’s mood and energy levels, and research has found that symptoms of bipolar disorder can differ in women and men. For example, women may be more likely to experience depressive episodes, and their manic symptoms may be more severe than those of men. Regardless of a person’s gender, bipolar disorder can often be treated with a combination of therapy and medication.
What is bipolar disorder?
To understand bipolar disorder in women, it may help to learn about the two main mental states associated with the disorder: mania and depression.
Mania: Mania can be described as a state of extremely high energy. People in a state of mania might believe they are important or invincible. They might also feel extremely happy, restless, or irritable. As a result, they may act in ways that are impulsive or irresponsible. Symptoms of mania may include the following:
- Talking extremely quickly
- Making big decisions or plans on a whim
- Not sleeping or sleeping very little
- Engaging in risky behavior, like reckless driving or spending sprees
- Experiencing delusions or hallucinations
- Acting in a way that seems out of character
When a person with bipolar disorder goes through a period of mania, this is sometimes called
“having a manic episode.”
Depression: In some ways, depression can be seen as the opposite of mania. Depression can involve feelings of intense sadness or hopelessness. Someone experiencing a depressive episode might find it hard to interact with others or complete daily tasks. They might also withdraw from their relationships. Symptoms of depression may include those listed below:
- Having ongoing feelings of sadness or guilt
- Struggling to concentrate and remember information
- Losing interest in hobbies and relationships
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Gaining or losing weight
- Developing unexplained headaches, stomach aches, muscle pains, or other physical symptoms
Bipolar disorder can involve episodes of mania, depression, or both. These episodes may last from days to weeks. The severity and types of episodes a person experiences can depend on the type of bipolar disorder they have.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I disorder: People with bipolar I disorder typically experience manic episodes that last at least seven days. They may also experience depressive episodes. When a person experiences four or more periods of depression or mania in one year, this is called “rapid cycling.”
- Bipolar II disorder: Bipolar II disorder usually involves episodes of depression and hypomania. Hypomania can be similar to mania, but with less severe symptoms that tend to last less than a week. A person experiencing hypomania might have an elevated mood and energy levels, but they are often still able to function in daily life.
- Cyclothymia: Cyclothymia is a form of bipolar disorder that generally involves hypomania and depressive symptoms, but not to the same extent as bipolar I or II. If a person’s symptoms are not intense or long-lasting enough to qualify as mood episodes, they might be diagnosed with cyclothymia.
People with bipolar disorder may have a higher risk of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
Bipolar disorder signs usually start to emerge around age 25. More rarely, people may also develop the disorder as teens or children. This is sometimes called early-onset or pediatric bipolar disorder.
The exact causes of bipolar disorder are still being studied. That said, a few factors may put someone at a greater risk of developing bipolar disorder. Some common risk factors include substance and alcohol use, stressful life events, and genetics.
Are bipolar disorder symptoms different in women than in men?
According to the NHS, men and women seem to be equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. That said, symptoms of bipolar disorder can look different in women than in men.
In a 2022 study, researchers analyzed the symptoms of 219 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. They found that manic episodes tended to be more severe in women.
Other research has looked at gender differences in symptoms during depressive episodes. In a 2021 study, researchers surveyed 100 men and women with bipolar disorder and analyzed their symptoms. They found that, compared to men, women with bipolar disorder were usually more likely to experience apathy (loss of interest in goals and relationships) during depressive episodes. Women were typically more likely to experience body dysmorphia and appetite changes as well.
Research has also found that women may be more likely to experience certain physical health concerns when they live with bipolar disorder. In a 2021 study, researchers monitored the health of 200 male and female patients with bipolar disorder for 25 months. They found that women with bipolar disorder were generally more likely to have obesity, hypothyroidism, and migraines. More research may be needed to understand why.
What is the outlook for women with bipolar disorder?
No matter your gender, living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and people with bipolar disorder often need lifelong mental health support. That said, there are several treatment options. With proper support, improving symptoms and quality of life with bipolar disorder is often possible.
Managing bipolar disorder often involves a combination of treatments. Medications, like mood stabilizers and antidepressants, may reduce the severity of mood symptoms. Antipsychotics may be helpful for people who experience delusions or hallucinations. Always consult your doctor or psychiatrist before starting, stopping, or changing the way you take medication.
Therapy may also be useful for people with bipolar disorder. With the support of a therapist, it can be possible to recognize the signs of manic or depressive episodes and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Sticking to therapy long-term may be easier if you enjoy working with your therapist. Finding the right fit can sometimes take a few tries, which is why online therapy may be useful. Internet-based platforms like BetterHelp typically let you change therapists as needed for no additional fee. This may make it easier to find the right therapist for you.
Studies have found that online therapy can effectively treat bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses that may co-occur with it. In a 2017 review, researchers analyzed data from 373 studies of internet-based therapy. They found that online therapy could be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
Takeaway
Bipolar disorder affects both genders, but its symptoms can look different in women. Research has found that women with bipolar disorder may be more likely to have manic episodes, certain depressive symptoms, and certain physical health conditions. Treating bipolar disorder is often possible with therapy and medication. With support, people of all genders with bipolar disorder can improve their mental health and well-being.
- Previous Article
- Next Article