Common Myths and Facts About Bipolar Disorder

Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or are wondering if you have this condition, the best place to look for information and help is a certified medical practitioner. There is a ton of wrong, biased, and downright harmful information floating around about bipolar disorder, and you need real facts, not myths, to help you navigate your mental health journey.

At Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, in Lakewood, Colorado, Dr. Alison Burton, DNP, PMHNP, treats bipolar disorder with personalized treatment plans and medications chosen to best fit your physiology. Here are some myths and facts she wants you to know.

Dispelling myths with facts: the reality of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is misunderstood by many and poorly portrayed in books, films, and online forums. Here’s the truth about this widely misunderstood mental health condition.

Myth #1:

All cases of bipolar disorder are the same.

This is completely untrue. In fact, medical science recognizes three distinct types of bipolar disorder:

1. Bipolar I, consisting of intense, long-lasting depressive and hypomanic episodes
2. Bipolar II, consisting of more severe episodes of depression and milder manic episodes
3. Cyclothymia, consisting of irregular cycling between mental balance, depression, and mania

Cyclothymia is often seen as a precursor to developing Bipolar I or Bipolar II. Even within types of bipolar disorder, individual experiences can vary widely.

Myth #2:

Bipolar highs are worth enduring the lows.

This is also untrue, and probably stems from the fact that many famous writers, musicians, artists, and actors had or are thought to have had bipolar disorder, with their manic episodes aligning with some of their most creative periods. In fact, both depression and mania can have serious consequences.

While mania is often characterized as being “fun” or feeling “high,” it can also drive extreme anxiety, reduced impulse control,  and risky behaviors. On the flip side of the coin, depression can lead to an inability to care for basic daily needs, difficulty at work and school, or even suicidal ideation. 

Myth #3: 

People with bipolar disorder should be in an institution.

This is patently false; in fact, people with managed bipolar disorder usually pose no threat to themselves or others, and can live stable, happy lives. 

While it’s true that some individuals who haven’t found treatment may need a short period of inpatient care to stabilize, most people with bipolar disorder do perfectly well and are able to thrive with outpatient treatment.

Myth #4:

Bipolar disorder is untreatable and hopeless.

What a terrible myth, when the fact is that current treatments for bipolar disorder have an 80% success rate. At Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, Dr. Alison Burton, DNP, PMHNP, develops a personalized treatment plan for you that may include various combinations of the following:

• Medication management
• Various types of psychiatric therapy
• Lifestyle and nutrition recommendations

As part of your medication management protocol, we offer genetic testing in order to make your treatment more effective. The results tell us which medications your body and brain will be most likely to respond to, helping you to feel better more quickly.  

Ready to get the best possible treatment for bipolar disorder? Contact our office by calling 303-578-8949 to request an in-office or telehealth appointment today.