People with bipolar disorder experience extreme episodes of highs and lows that are referred to as mania and depression. While it is considered a severe mental health condition, it is relatively common. According to the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH), “An estimated 4.4% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder at some time in their lives.”[1]
If you have bipolar disorder, you might experience extreme shifts in your mood, energy levels, and behavior. The symptoms of bipolar disorder can significantly impact your ability to function in daily life. Because of this, you should never allow it to go untreated.
Some of the risks of allowing bipolar disorder to remain untreated include challenges at work or school, strained relationships, an increased risk of substance abuse, self-harm or attempting suicide, and a higher prevalence of impulsive or self-destructive behaviors. While it is possible to only use therapy to treat your bipolar disorder, medication is often necessary, and avoiding it can lead to additional dangers.
At Agape Behavioral Center, we treat bipolar disorder with a combination of therapy and medication. Our treatment program will provide you with the support and tools you need to manage your symptoms and regain control over your life.
In this article, you will learn:
- What are the signs of undiagnosed bipolar disorder?
- What happens if you leave bipolar disorder untreated?
- Can you manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder without medication?
What are the Signs of Undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that include periods of intense elation or irritability (mania or hypomania) and episodes of profound sadness or hopelessness (depression).
During a manic or hypomanic episode, you might experience:[2]
- An elevated mood including happiness, elation, irritability, and anger
- Increased energy, feeling restless, or a lessened need for sleep
- Racing thoughts and speech
- Trouble concentrating or jumping from topic to topic
- Feeling overly confident or having grandiose thoughts
- Being easily angered or agitated
- Engaging in risky or impulsive behavior, such as substance abuse, spending sprees, or risky sexual behaviors
During a depressive episode, you might experience:[2]
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for extended periods
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
- An inability to experience pleasure or happiness
- Changes in sleeping patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping
- Fatigue and low energy
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Self-harming behaviors, thoughts of suicide, or attempts
While bipolar disorder can be mistaken for other conditions, it is usually diagnosed by looking for periods of mania and depression. For example, these episodes tend to last at least a week, instead of experiencing frequent mood swings throughout the day.
If you believe you have bipolar disorder, the mental health experts at Agape Behavioral Center can complete an in-depth assessment to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Agape Behavioral Center accepts many private insurance plans
What are the Risks of Untreated Bipolar Disorder?
Individuals with bipolar disorder often have a hard time recognizing the severity of their symptoms and the damage their behavior has caused. This is because it is difficult to recognize issues you are experiencing yourself. Your family and friends might have an easier time recognizing that you need help.
You might even view your manic episodes as helpful, as sometimes the increased energy and lessened need for sleep lead to higher productivity and creativity. That said, mania can also lead to a variety of risks, including dangerous and impulsive behavior. When bipolar disorder is left untreated, it only worsens over time.
Along with the immediate dangers of manic and depressive episodes, leaving bipolar disorder untreated increases the risk of:
- Experiencing significant challenges at work or school due to symptoms
- Strained relationships, loneliness, and isolation
- Increased financial instability due to changes in productivity and impulsive spending
- Substance abuse and developing a co-occurring substance use disorder
- Heightened feelings of anxiety and depression
- Increase in self-harming behaviors and suicidal thoughts
- Decreased ability to engage in self-care and manage daily tasks
According to an article on bipolar disorder, “Bipolar disorder (BP) suicide death rates are 10–30 times greater than the general population.”[3]
Additionally, between 40% and 70% of people with bipolar disorder experience addiction.[4]
Both suicide and substance abuse can be avoided if you manage your bipolar disorder with a combination of therapy and medication. Leaving your condition untreated increases your risk of life-threatening emergencies, making treatment incredibly vital.
Can You Manage Bipolar Disorder Without Medication?
Treatment for bipolar disorder involves a combination of therapy and medication. Some people need inpatient treatment to provide them with 24/7 care while they are being stabilized during a manic or depressive episode.
Medication is usually necessary, as most of the symptoms of bipolar disorder are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Without medication, therapy will only soften some of your symptoms. You’ll continue to experience mania and depression, only with better coping skills.
You might be resistant to taking medication, as it can take a few tries to find the right one. This might mean coping with side effects until you find a medication that works for you.
That said, there are risks to refusing to take medication for your bipolar disorder, including:
- Trouble maintaining relationships due to unpredictable behavior and mood swings
- An increased risk of legal issues stemming from impulsive behaviors during manic episodes
- Reduced ability to keep a job due to changes in productivity and a lessened ability to function in your daily life
- Higher risk of self-harm and suicide attempts
- Declines in overall health because of increased stress, unhealthy sleeping patterns, and inconsistent eating habits
- Changes in brain chemistry that can make future treatment less effective
- Higher risk of developing comorbid conditions, like anxiety disorders or addiction
It is often best to use medication to manage your bipolar disorder. At Agape Behavioral Center, we offer a safe and comfortable setting for you to become stabilized on medication. Our therapists are also highly experienced in managing bipolar disorder, ensuring you’ll receive the support you need to recover.
Get Connected to a Highly-Rated Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center
If you or a loved one suffers from bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, Agape Behavioral Center is here to help. We use evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage bipolar disorder. You’ll also be stabilized on daily medication to prevent you from experiencing manic or depressive states.
Our team of highly skilled clinicians, therapists, and support staff are committed to your well-being. We’re not just here to treat symptoms; we’re here to help you find your path to recovery and create a sustainable foundation for long-term mental wellness. We offer a range of evidence-based therapies, personalized treatment plans, and cutting-edge interventions to meet your unique needs.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you recover from bipolar disorder.
References:
- The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH): Bipolar Disorder
- American Psychological Association (APA): Diagnosing and treating bipolar spectrum disorders
- Translational Psychiatry (Nature): Assessment of suicide attempt and death in bipolar affective disorder: a combined clinical and genetic approach
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Update on bipolar disorder and substance abuse: recent findings and treatment strategies
