Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder with distinct periods of extreme euphoria and energy ( mania) and sadness or hopelessness ( depression … Women with bipolar disorder who are pregnant or have recently given birth are seven times more likely than other women to be admitted to the hospital for their bipolar disorder. Bipolar depression symptoms in women are often debilitating. Men and women may experience different symptoms of the disorder. This can help you better understand how bipolar disorder affects women. Just keep sodium content in mind. Isimaru-Tseng, T.V. You may engage in high-risk behaviors, such as substance abuse or increased sexual activity. It occurs at an equal rate in men and women. It is being increasingly recognized that bipolar disorder often has its onset in adolescence or early adulthood. There are so many joys of new parenthood — but thinning hair and hair loss aren't on that list. The drugs used primarily for treatment of bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Blehar, M.C. Diagnosis of bipolar II disorder involves a current or past major depressive episode lasting for at least two weeks. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is another treatment option. Your doctor will also assess your medical and family history. Bipolar symptoms in women are commonly triggered or exacerbated by hormonal changes during pregnancy and menstruation. During hypomanic episodes, you may feel elevated moods similar to those that occur with mania. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 14 Healthy Foods That Are High in Potassium, How to Quit Smoking Naturally — from an Eastern Perspective, 10 Best Antioxidant Drinks, Plus How They Benefit Your Health, The Best Nipple Creams for Breastfeeding Mamas, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 8 Derm-Approved Hair Products for Postpartum Locks, Shopping Guide: The Best Baby Toys for 2021, 7 Yummy Kids’ Cereals That Aren’t Packed With Sugar, The 10 Best Baby Shampoos and Body Washes for 2021. When people have symptoms of bipolar disorder and also experience periods of psychosis that are separate from mood episodes, the appropriate diagnosis may be schizoaffective disorder. For instance, in a retrospective study of 2524 women, 65.1% of women with bipolar type I and 70.5% with bipolar type II reported increased premenstrual mood symptoms. Because of the variation in physical attributes, women suffer from depressive episodes more. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an additional option for treating bipolar disorder. The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can be subtle or extreme. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., CRNP. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a blood relative with the disorder. Social Isolation. If the elevated mood is severe or associated with psychosis, it is called mania; if it is less severe, it is called hypomania. Bipolar disorder typically begins in young adulthood. During ECT, doctors monitor the baby's heart rate and oxygen levels for potential problems, which can be treated if necessary. New or worsening symptoms, unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts or behavior need to be monitored. Proper self-care is an important part of managing this condition. The symptoms of the condition are highly treatable, though. 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