Bipolar Symptoms In Women. Signs, Symptoms and Tips

Elevated Risk of Depression in Females

Bipolar II disorder, often associated with depression and hypomania, is more prevalent in females compared to bipolar I disorder. Females with bipolar disorder have double the likelihood of experiencing depression as males and are more prone to experiencing psychosis alongside depression. Owing to the predominance of depressive symptoms, females with bipolar disorder may frequently receive a misdiagnosis of depression.

Distinctive Symptom Patterns

Females with bipolar disorder exhibit a higher propensity for experiencing mixed episodes involving both elevated and depressive symptoms concurrently. Rapid cycling, where mood shifts occur swiftly, is also more common among females, with almost 30% of females experiencing rapid cycling compared to just over 16% of males. According to the DSM-5-TR, females with bipolar II disorder are more inclined to alternate between episodes rapidly.

Seasonal Impact

The same review from 2015 suggests that females with bipolar disorder tend to require hospital treatment more often in the spring and fall, unlike males whose symptoms peak in the spring. Females may also demonstrate a heightened risk of depressive symptoms during the fall and winter.

Associations with Other Conditions

Females with bipolar disorder may have an increased genetic risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and a higher prevalence of eating disorders, as suggested by studies in 2012 and 2010, respectively. Other health conditions and factors more frequently linked to bipolar disorder in females include borderline personality disorder (BPD), impulse control disorder, obesity, migraines, thyroid disease, and a history of sexual and physical abuse.

Risk of Suicide in Women with Bipolar Disorder

A 2015 review underscores that females with bipolar disorder are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than males. A 2014 study examining suicide risk in both genders found that predictors of suicide risk in females included a history of numerous mixed episodes, an earlier onset of psychiatric symptoms, co-occurring personality disorders, and social difficulties in close relationships, such as family ties. In males, substance use was a significant predictor of suicide attempts.

Bipolar Symptoms in Women with Menstruation, Pregnancy, and Menopause

There are a lot of different ways that menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and bipolar illness are all connected. These stages of life and changes in hormones can have a big effect on the course of bipolar disorder, changing both how often and how badly mood episodes happen. Here is a summary of how each stage is linked to bipolar disorder:

Menstruation

Getting worse before your period: Many women with bipolar disorder report an exacerbation of symptoms during their premenstrual phase, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Changes in hormones during this time can cause mood swings, which could lead to more frequent and serious episodes.

Changes in your hormones: The changes in hormones that happen during a woman’s period can make it harder for people with bipolar disorder to control their mood. Not all women have major mood changes, but women who have bipolar illness may be more likely to undergo these changes.

Being pregnant

Mixed Findings: Pregnancy’s impact on bipolar disorder is complex and varies from person to person. Some women’s moods stay stable while pregnant, while others may have mood swings. Pregnant women with bipolar disorder need to work closely with their doctors to control their condition and medications.

Medication Considerations: A lot of the medicines used to treat bipolar disorder could be harmful to a pregnant woman. Because of this, women may need to change their treatment plans while being watched by a doctor.

Menopause

Hormone Changes: Mood control can be affected by the changes in hormones during menopause, especially the drop in estrogen. During this time, some women with bipolar illness say their moods become more unstable.

Treatment Considerations: Managing bipolar symptoms during menopause might mean changing drugs or looking into new treatments. Hormonal changes can make old treatments less effective and more ineffective.

Treating Bipolar Symptoms In Women

Treating bipolar symptoms in women typically involves a combination of medical interventions, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and a strong support system. Each treatment plan should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and symptom severity. Here are some common approaches used to treat bipolar symptoms in women:

• Medication: Mood-stabilizing medications are often prescribed to manage bipolar symptoms. These may include mood stabilizers like lithium, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics. Medications help stabilize mood, reduce the frequency and intensity of episodes, and prevent relapses.
• Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Psychotherapy is an essential component of bipolar disorder treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy are effective in helping individuals manage mood swings, develop coping strategies, and improve communication and interpersonal relationships.
• Family Therapy: Including family members in therapy sessions can help create a supportive and understanding environment for the woman with bipolar disorder. Family therapy can improve communication, educate family members about the condition, and enhance coping strategies for all involved.

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