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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryBipolar Disorder in Men: Signs, Symptoms, Tips, & Treatment
Table of Contents:OverviewHow Bipolar Disorder Differs in MenSigns & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in MenHow to Deal with Bipolar Disorder in MenFinding Treatment for Men with Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar DisorderRead Time: 7 Minutes
Published On: November 19, 2021
Reviewed On: November 19, 2021
Updated On: October 15, 2024
Overview
Updated on 1/14/2023
Bipolar disorder symptomsin men can be somewhat tricky since men may be more prone to denying when there is a problem. This likely has a direct correlation to the societal norm that teaches men that showing emotion is a sign of weakness.
Read on to learn more about what signs of bipolar disorder in men you should know about, how it differs in men and women, and what to know about finding treatment.
How Bipolar Disorder Differs in Men
Bipolar disorder can present quite differently in men than it does in women. There are a few key differences that are important for us to note.
Expert Insight
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R), BC-TMHJill Daino
Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Men
Men and women can have widely varying differences in the signs and symptoms they experience when they have bipolar disorder. Discussing and understanding them is essential because signs of bipolar disorder in men are often linked to why both diagnosis and treatment are often put off. As with most mental health conditions, seeking treatment and early intervention for behavioral health is the best predictor of successfully managing bipolar disorder.
Bipolar mania symptoms in men
Common bipolar symptoms in men regarding mania episodes:
Bipolar depression symptoms in men
When men experience a depressive episode or depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, they’re more likely to be angry and irritable than women are. Since societal norms deem aggression as a common attribute to the male sex, violent behavior that’s due to bipolar disorder can first be seen as acceptable. Thus, a diagnosis for bipolar depression might not be made as timely or appropriately as it should be. Additionally, it can be difficult to know if you havebipolar disorder vs. depressionwithout a proper diagnosis because of the depressive episodes.
Common bipolar symptoms in men regarding depressive episodes:
How to Deal with Bipolar Disorder in Men
Men might be extremely sensitive to the idea that they’re dealing with a mental health condition like bipolar disorder. Due to this, it’s important to be cognizant of what they may be feeling and experiencing.
If you’redating someone with bipolar disorder, noticed mood symptoms in a family member, or worried about a man in your life who you think may have untreated bipolar disorder, you can begin with a simple conversation. Here are some ways you can broach the subject if you’re seeing any common bipolar symptoms in men:
All of these are crucial to understandinghow to help someone with bipolar disorder.
Finding Treatment for Men with Bipolar DisorderThough bipolar disorder in men is generally considered a lifelong mood disorder, treatment for someone with bipolar disorder experience can help. The road may not be easy, and it might take some time and several different efforts before a treatment plan is in place that’s as effective as possible.The first step in any of this is getting abipolar disorder diagnosisso you can then find the person help. Next, it’s going to be extremely important to maintain consistent in-person oronline bipolar treatmentonce a good plan is in place. This can be difficult for some men who, as they start to feel better, may desperately want to stop their treatment. Astrong support systemis often key to managing bipolar disorder. There is good news, however — it can be done.The Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health notes that there is an80% success ratefor bipolar disorder treatment.
Finding Treatment for Men with Bipolar Disorder
Though bipolar disorder in men is generally considered a lifelong mood disorder, treatment for someone with bipolar disorder experience can help. The road may not be easy, and it might take some time and several different efforts before a treatment plan is in place that’s as effective as possible.
The first step in any of this is getting abipolar disorder diagnosisso you can then find the person help. Next, it’s going to be extremely important to maintain consistent in-person oronline bipolar treatmentonce a good plan is in place. This can be difficult for some men who, as they start to feel better, may desperately want to stop their treatment. Astrong support systemis often key to managing bipolar disorder. There is good news, however — it can be done.
The Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health notes that there is an80% success ratefor bipolar disorder treatment.
There are several treatments for bipolar disorder.Talk therapy(also known as psychotherapy) can include effective techniques like family-focused therapy,cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), or a combination of the two types oftherapy for BPD.Bipolar disorder medicationslike an antipsychotic and a mood stabilizer are common and effective treatments for each person.. Sometimes antidepressants are used, but this medication must be monitored closely because they can sometimes lead to manic episodes.Self-help techniques and self-management strategiesare useful as well. Mindful meditation, yoga, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep will all be important in maintaining a bipolar disorder. Education is also essential in that it can help recognize early symptoms of an episode.Wonderinghow to know if you are bipolar? If you, or someone you know, think you may have bipolar disorder, start with abipolar disorder testto learn more. From there, connect with a licensed therapist that can help with a diagnosis and bipolar disorder treatment.
There are several treatments for bipolar disorder.
Wonderinghow to know if you are bipolar? If you, or someone you know, think you may have bipolar disorder, start with abipolar disorder testto learn more. From there, connect with a licensed therapist that can help with a diagnosis and bipolar disorder treatment.
See ReferencesBipolar DisorderNational Institute of Mental Health. Accessed November 7, 2021.Bipolar Disorder StatisticsDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Accessed November 7, 2021.Gender differences in bipolar disorderArnold, Lesley M. The Psychiatric clinics of North America vol. 26,3 (2003): 595-620. doi:10.1016/s0193-953x(03)00036-4. Accessed November 7, 2021.Bipolar DisorderNAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2017. Accessed November 7, 2021.Suicide Risk in Bipolar Disorder: A Brief ReviewDome, Peter et al. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) vol. 55,8 403. 24 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/medicina55080403. Accessed November 7, 2021.Stop Criminalizing Mental IllnessNAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2000. Accessed November 7, 2021.
See References
National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed November 7, 2021.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Accessed November 7, 2021.
Arnold, Lesley M. The Psychiatric clinics of North America vol. 26,3 (2003): 595-620. doi:10.1016/s0193-953x(03)00036-4. Accessed November 7, 2021.
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2017. Accessed November 7, 2021.
Dome, Peter et al. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) vol. 55,8 403. 24 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/medicina55080403. Accessed November 7, 2021.
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2000. Accessed November 7, 2021.
Jill DainoJill E. Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH, is a clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and program director. She works to support quality clinical care at Talkspace. Her work as a clinician and trainer focuses on the mental health impact of body image concerns and eating disorders across the lifespan.
Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH, is a clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and program director. She works to support quality clinical care at Talkspace. Her work as a clinician and trainer focuses on the mental health impact of body image concerns and eating disorders across the lifespan.
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