Myths About Bipolar Disorder: What Is Actually True

The most common myths about bipolar disorder are that it is ordinary moodiness, that people are always up or down, that it only affects adults, and that it reflects weak character. In reality, bipolar disorder is a treatable mood disorder with distinct episodes of mania or hypomania and depression, often with stable periods in between.

This article is general information, not a medical recommendation. Do not start, stop or change any medication without talking to your prescriber.

This guide is for adults in Texas who have a diagnosis, wonder whether they might have bipolar disorder, or love someone who does. It also helps parents of teens sort fact from assumption. Each section answers one myth with what major health institutions actually say.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes clear shifts in mood, energy, activity and concentration. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes it as causing unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and concentration that can make daily tasks hard.

MedlinePlus notes that bipolar disorder was formerly called manic depression and involves intense mood swings. There are several types. Bipolar I involves manic episodes, bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes along with depression, and cyclothymic disorder involves milder, longer-lasting mood changes. A clinician determines which, if any, applies.

Is bipolar disorder just being moody?

No. Bipolar disorder is not the same as ordinary moodiness. NIMH explains that everyone experiences ups and downs, but with bipolar disorder the range of mood changes can be extreme.

A bad afternoon or a quick flash of irritation is not an episode. Episodes last days to weeks and change how a person sleeps, thinks, talks and acts. During mania or hypomania, someone may need much less sleep, talk fast, feel unusually confident or take risks. During depression, they may feel hopeless, exhausted and unable to enjoy anything.

Another part of this myth is that mania is just feeling happy. Mania can also look like intense irritability, racing thoughts or restlessness. For a deeper look, see mood swings vs. bipolar disorder.

Are people with bipolar disorder always up or down?

No. Many people with bipolar disorder spend long stretches feeling like themselves. NIMH notes that in between episodes, mood usually returns to a healthy baseline.

This matters because people sometimes assume a person with the diagnosis is unstable all the time. In fact, episodes come and go, and treatment aims to make them less frequent and less intense. Stable periods are also when people can notice early warning signs and build routines that protect them.

The flip side is that stable periods can make it easy to miss the diagnosis. Someone may seek care only when depressed and never mention a past high-energy stretch. Our article on bipolar 2 vs. depression explains why.

Can teens and young adults have bipolar disorder?

Yes. Bipolar disorder often begins in the teen years or early adulthood. NIMH states that most of the time, bipolar disorder symptoms start during late adolescence or early adulthood, and that children occasionally show symptoms.

In teens, symptoms can be hard to separate from typical emotional changes, stress or other conditions. Signs that deserve attention include big changes in sleep without tiredness, sudden risk-taking, days of very low mood and withdrawal, or changes that worry teachers and friends as well as parents.

Parents should start with a pediatrician or a child and adolescent mental health professional. Lyte Psychiatry's age range for evaluation requires confirmation, so ask when you call.

What causes bipolar disorder, and is it anyone's fault?

Bipolar disorder is not caused by weakness, bad choices or poor parenting. MedlinePlus states that the exact cause is unknown, and that genetics, brain structure and function, and environment may all play a role.

The risk is higher if a close relative has the condition, but family history does not mean someone will develop it. NIMH also notes that some prescribed, recreational or illicit drugs can sometimes mimic or worsen mood symptoms, which is one reason clinicians ask about alcohol and substance use.

Blame is behind many myths about bipolar disorder, and it tends to keep people away from care. Seeing the condition as a health issue, like diabetes or asthma, makes it easier to talk about and treat.

Does bipolar disorder define a person's character?

No. Bipolar disorder is a health condition that affects mood and energy; it does not determine whether a person is honest, kind, capable or trustworthy. Myths that people with the diagnosis are dangerous or unreliable add stigma and are not a fair description of the people who live with it.

MedlinePlus describes mood disorders as conditions that affect your everyday emotional state, and lists treatments including medicines and talk therapy. That framing is useful: a symptom during an episode is a reason for treatment, not a judgment about who someone is.

People with bipolar disorder work, study, parent and lead communities. Support from family and friends helps; see supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder.

Is medication the only treatment for bipolar disorder?

No. Medication is often an important part of care, but therapy and daily routines matter too. NIMH states that mental health professionals treat bipolar disorder with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination, and names approaches such as interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, family-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Medication classes a prescriber may discuss include mood stabilizers and certain antipsychotics. NIMH notes that in bipolar disorder antidepressants are not used alone because they can trigger a manic episode. Only your prescriber can decide what fits your situation.

Therapy can help people spot early mood changes, manage stress and keep regular sleep. NIMH also recommends that people keep a routine for eating, sleeping and exercising. More on combined care is in bipolar disorder medication and therapy.

Can you stop treatment once you feel better?

Not on your own. Feeling well is often a sign treatment is working, not a sign it is no longer needed. NIMH notes that bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment.

This is one of the most harmful myths about bipolar disorder, because stopping suddenly can lead to a return of symptoms. If side effects, cost or a feeling that you no longer need medicine are on your mind, bring them to your prescriber. Plans can be adjusted safely when changes are made together.

How do you get an accurate bipolar evaluation, step by step?

You get an accurate evaluation by preparing a clear history of your moods and sharing it with a qualified clinician. NIMH notes that misdiagnosis may happen because some bipolar disorder symptoms are like those of other illnesses, so details help.

1. Start a mood chart. NIMH suggests a life chart or mood journal. Note mood, sleep hours and energy each day.
2. Write down past highs and lows. Include when they happened, how long they lasted and what others noticed.
3. Ask about family history. Relatives may know of mood disorders in the family.
4. List medicines and substances. Include supplements, alcohol and anything else you use.
5. Book an evaluation. A psychiatric clinician will ask about your history and may suggest lab work to rule out medical causes such as thyroid problems.
6. Review the plan. Ask what the diagnosis is based on and what follow-up looks like.

Checklist: what to say at the visit

• "There were times I barely slept but felt full of energy."
• "My depression has not improved the way I hoped."
• "Someone in my family has a mood disorder."
• "I want to understand all my treatment options."

When should you get help sooner?

Get help right away if someone has thoughts of suicide, cannot stay safe, or shows signs of severe mania or psychosis. NIMH lists warning signs of suicide, including talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless and extreme mood swings.

Other red flags include:

• Going several nights with little or no sleep and not feeling tired.
• Reckless spending, driving or other risks that are out of character.
• Hearing or seeing things others do not, or beliefs that seem disconnected from reality.
• Being unable to eat, get out of bed or care for basic needs.

Do not wait for a routine appointment in these situations. Call or text 988, or call 911 for immediate danger.

What should Texans know about getting bipolar care?

Texans have public crisis services in every county, plus outpatient options in person and by telehealth. Texas Health and Human Services lists 24/7 crisis lines operated by local mental health authorities, organized by county.

For ongoing care, outpatient psychiatry can include evaluation, medication management and therapy. Telehealth rules depend on where the patient is located during a visit, and they vary by state, so confirm details with any practice before booking.

Getting support in Texas

Lyte Psychiatry offers therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management in Texas. In-person visits are available at Lyte Psychiatry's clinic in Pantego, in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Lyte Psychiatry offers telehealth visits to patients who are physically located in Texas at the time of the visit.

Most new patients are seen within 1–2 business days. Weekend appointments are limited. All Lyte Psychiatry services are available in Spanish. Availability, insurance, age range and clinician fit require confirmation.

Lyte Psychiatry is an outpatient practice. It does not provide inpatient care, crisis or after-hours coverage, medically supervised detox, or intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization programs.

Learn about medication management or coordinated therapy and psychiatry.

If you are in a mental-health crisis in the United States, call or text 988. Call 911 for immediate danger.

Educational information, not a diagnosis or individual treatment plan.