Understanding Bipolar 3: Everything You Need to Know
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people across the globe. It is a complex condition that causes extreme mood swings and fluctuations, making it difficult for people to manage their daily lives. There are different types of bipolar disorders, with each having unique characteristics that affect individuals differently. One of the more recently recognized types of bipolar disorder is bipolar 3 or “Bipolar, disorder not otherwise specified.” In this comprehensive guide, we delve into everything you need to know about bipolar 3.
What Is Bipolar 3?
Bipolar 3 disorder is a type of bipolar disorder that is not included in DSM-5, the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Individuals with bipolar 3 disorder usually present with symptoms of mania and hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania. However, the individual may not present with the necessary symptoms required to qualify for a bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 diagnosis. According to research, bipolar 3 is a less severe form of bipolar disorder, and it is also referred to as “sub-threshold” bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Types
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that can be classified into three major types, each with distinct characteristics:
- Bipolar I Disorder: This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of extreme and manic behavior that usually last for seven days or more. Individuals with bipolar 1 disorder may experience hypomania or depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II Disorder: This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by hypomania and depression episodes lasting for several days. Unlike bipolar I disorder, individuals with bipolar 2 disorder never experience a full-blown manic episode.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: This is a milder version of bipolar disorder, and individuals with this type of bipolar disorder experience chronic mood swings that are less intense than those experienced by people diagnosed with bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 disorder.
Features of Bipolar 3 Disorder
Bipolar 3 disorder has some unique features that distinguish it from other forms of bipolar disorder. These include:
- Chronic mood disturbances: People with bipolar 3 disorder experience chronic mood disturbances that last longer than usual.
- Less severe mood swings: The mood swings experienced by individuals with bipolar 3 disorder are less severe than those experienced by people with bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 disorder.
- Sub-threshold symptoms: Individuals with bipolar 3 disorder may not present with the necessary set of symptoms required to qualify for a bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 diagnosis.
Symptoms of Bipolar 3 Disorder
The symptoms of bipolar 3 disorder are similar to those of other types of bipolar disorder. The difference lies in the severity and duration of the symptoms. The most common symptoms of bipolar 3 disorder include:
- Mania symptoms: You may experience manic symptoms such as increased energy, racing thoughts, grandiosity, reduced sleep, and other symptoms of mania.
- Hypomania symptoms: Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, and individuals with bipolar 3 may experience hypomania symptoms such as feeling overly happy or excited, overconfidence, impulsiveness, and irritability.
- Depression symptoms: Individuals with bipolar 3 disorder may experience depressive symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts.
Diagnosing Bipolar 3 Disorder
As mentioned earlier, bipolar 3 disorder is not listed in the DSM-5. Therefore, the diagnosis of bipolar 3 disorder is rare. However, if you experience sub-threshold symptoms of bipolar disorder, your healthcare provider may diagnose you with bipolar 3 disorder. The diagnosis will usually involve a thorough examination of your medical history, symptom assessment, and other diagnostic tests such as blood tests or MRI.
Treatment of Bipolar 3 Disorder
There is no specific treatment for bipolar 3 disorder. However, treatment typically involves medication and psychotherapy. Some of the most common medications that your healthcare provider may prescribe include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be helpful in treating bipolar 3 disorder. Therapy can help individuals with bipolar disorder recognize their symptoms, manage their triggers and enhance their day-to-day functioning.
Self-Care Tips for Managing Bipolar 3 Disorder
If you have been diagnosed with bipolar 3 disorder, you can also take steps to manage your symptoms by following these self-care tips:
- Create and stick to a routine: Maintaining a routine can help stabilize your mood and minimize the impact of mood swings.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can worsen bipolar symptoms. Therefore, proper sleep hygiene is crucial in managing the symptoms of bipolar 3 disorder.
- Maintain a balanced diet: A balanced diet can help minimize the impact of mood swings and stabilize your mood.
- Manage stress: Stressful situations can trigger mood swings in people with bipolar 3 disorder. Therefore, identifying and minimizing stressors is essential in managing the condition.
Conclusion
Bipolar 3 disorder is a less severe form of bipolar disorder and is characterized by sub-threshold symptoms of mania and hypomania. Although the condition is not yet recognized in DSM-5, individuals diagnosed with bipolar 3 disorder experience chronic mood disturbances that last longer than usual. Treatment for bipolar 3 disorder typically involves medications and psychotherapy, but self-care tips such as getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing stress can help in managing the condition.
Common Questions and Answers
- What causes bipolar 3 disorder?
- Can children and adolescents be diagnosed with bipolar 3 disorder?
- What is the difference between bipolar 3 disorder and other types of bipolar disorder?
- Can bipolar 3 disorder be cured?
- Is it possible for individuals with bipolar 3 disorder to lead normal lives?
There is no known cause of bipolar 3 disorder. However, it is thought to be a result of a combination of genetic, environmental and neurological factors.
Bipolar 3 disorder can be diagnosed in children and adolescents. However, it is rare for individuals to receive a bipolar diagnosis at an early age.
Bipolar 3 disorder is a less severe form of bipolar disorder compared to bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 disorder. Individuals with bipolar 3 disorder may not present with the necessary set of symptoms required to qualify for a bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 diagnosis.
There is no known cure for bipolar 3 disorder. However, with proper medication and therapy, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and enhance their day-to-day functioning.
Yes, individuals with bipolar 3 disorder can lead normal lives with proper treatment and self-care strategies. However, the severity of the condition and individual variations may influence a person’s ability to manage their symptoms.
References
Bipolar Disorder. (2019, December 27). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2018, February). Bipolar Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml.
Shivakumar, V., Sutti, S., Alamara, G., & Venkatasubramanian, G. (2017). Bipolar disorder subtypes: A review. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 28, 99–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2017.03.027.