Bipolar disorder affects nearly 5.7 million people in the United States. Bipolar disorder is equally common in men and women, but there are gender differences in the way that bipolar disorder manifests itself. Understanding these gender differences can help women with bipolar disorder recognize their symptoms and find appropriate treatment.
The Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder in Women
– Bipolar I disorder is equally prevalent among men and women, but research shows that women are generally more likely to develop bipolar II disorder, which is a milder form of the disorder.
– Women with bipolar disorder tend to have more episodes of depression than men. Women also experience more “mixed” episodes, which have simultaneous features of both mania and depression.
– Women with bipolar disorder are more prone to rapid cycling than men, which means having four or more episodes of depression and mania in one year. This is attributed to thyroid levels, reproductive hormones and the fact that women are more likely to use antidepressants, which has been reported to cause episodes of mania in people with bipolar disorder.
The Effects of Female Hormones in Women with Bipolar Disorder
– Women experience fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone hormones during their menstrual cycle that may worsen bipolar symptoms. Studies show that 65% of women with bipolar disorder reported worse mood symptoms during their menstrual cycle. This may be due to the fact that these hormone fluctuations affect a woman’s metabolic rate, which can affect her blood levels of medication.
– Reproductive hormones may also play a role in bipolar disorder in women. Many women report their depression symptoms worsen during perimenopause and menopause, which may be caused by declining estrogen levels.
The Effects of Medications in Women with Bipolar Disorder
– Some bipolar medications, such as carbamazepine, may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Pregnancy and Women with Bipolar Disorder
– Studies show that pregnancy is a risky period for women with bipolar disorder and women are more vulnerable to bipolar symptoms during and after pregnancy. Nearly half of women with bipolar disorder report their symptoms worsened during pregnancy. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, pregnant women and new moms with bipolar disorder have seven times the risk of hospitalization and two times the risk of a recurrent episode compared with women who aren’t pregnant or who haven’t recently delivered.
– The post-partum period is widely recognized as a time of where women are at high risk for an affective and/or psychotic episode, with the risk of psychosis increasing from 10% to 20%. Relapse rates for women with bipolar disorder are as high as 67% to 82% within 3 to 6 months after childbirth. Some women report that these episodes are some of the worst episodes they’ve ever experienced.
– Women should avoid taking bipolar medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding if possible since some medications have been shown to cause birth defects and side effects in infants. The best alternative to bipolar medication during pregnancy is ECT (electroconclusive therapy). If medication must be used, some studies show lithium can be used shortly before delivery or within 48 hours of delivery to reduce the risk of relapse. This, of course, must be closely monitored to prevent neonatal toxicity. First-generation antipsychotics such as Haldol and Thorazine are also considered safer that anticonvulsants such as Depakote and Tegretol. Other ways to decrease the risk of relapse during the post-partum period include planning for extra support, especially at night, to allow the mother to get adequate periods of uninterrupted sleep as irregular sleep patterns can seriously affect mood in people with bipolar disorder.
– Antidepressants can be considered during the post-partum period if mothers commit to minimizing exposure of their infant to medication by taking their pills immediately after breast-feeding and waiting 7 to 11 hours before breast-feeding again, using formula as needed. Infants should be closely monitored for side effects during this time.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment for Women
There are a variety of effective treatment options available for women with bipolar disorder, including medication, psychotherapy and holistic therapies.
The most popular forms of bipolar medication are Mood Stabilizers (such as Lithium, Depakote, Lamictal, Topamax, etc.), Atypical Antipsychotic Medications (such as Zyprexa, Abilify, Seroquel, Risperdal, etc.), and Antidepressants (such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc.).
In addition to medication, psychotherapy — or “talk” therapy — can be very effective at preventing bipolar disorder episodes. Some psychotherapy treatments used in bipolar treatment are cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and psychoeducation.
Some people have found success at preventing bipolar disorder symptoms with holistic treatments like herbal supplements. There is little research about the effects of herbal supplements on bipolar disorder, yet some people report experiencing marginal relief by taking the herb St. John’s wort and increasing their intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which is most commonly found in fish oil. It is very important, however, to talk with a doctor before taking any herbal or natural supplements because there is a serious risk of interactions with other medications.
At Casa Palmera, we understand how difficult it is to suffer from mental illness. Our caring staff is highly skilled and trained at helping women manage their bipolar disorder through traditional and holistic methods of bipolar treatment. Don’t suffer in silence any longer. Call Casa Palmera today at 888.481.4481.
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