Bipolar Symptoms in Men
Bipolar disorder is a common condition, but it is often misunderstood in men. Other conditions such as substance use disorder can mask mental health symptoms, making them think there is nothing else going on. However, this can only keep going for so long.
In 2022, over 4,000 hospitalizations occurred from mood and depressive disorders in Hillsborough County. In the same year and same county, over 200 deaths were the result of suicide. What if these were the result of men who had bipolar disorder and didn’t know? What if they got connected to care sooner?
Clean Recovery Centers understands the unique challenges that men face when trying to navigate their mental health. Let’s talk about bipolar disorder symptoms in men and how they can present differently than in women.
Understanding How Bipolar Disorder Presents in Men
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects mood and emotional responses. The average age of onset for men is around 25 years of age, though it can appear in the mid to late teen years. It can begin with elevated mood levels or depressive symptoms. In men, the presentation of mania is more likely to occur first, but depression can also be the first symptom to appear. Men may also experience behavior changes and increased irritation as bipolar disorder begins.
Why Is Bipolar Disorder Overlooked in Men?
Men have long faced stigma when it comes to their mental health. Even if they are living with the symptoms of bipolar disorder, they are fearful of being judged or ashamed to ask for help. These stigmas result in devastating consequences.
However, bipolar disorder can be overlooked in men for various reasons. One of the main reasons is the stigma behind men seeking help for mental health. Studies have shown that men who believe the societal stigma internalize it into self-stigma, which causes feelings of guilt and shame especially in those who are depressed. The rate of bipolar disorder in men can possibly be higher because of the stigmatizing fear around mental health.
Another reason bipolar disorder can be overlooked in men is those who are managing a substance use disorder. One study examined men entering substance use disorder treatment. Participants that fit the diagnosis of bipolar disorder were highlighted, and of these, almost 50% did not previously have a bipolar disorder diagnosis. This shows the importance of men’s mental health care especially in co-occurring disorders.
Causes and Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder in Men
The exact causes of bipolar disorder are not fully known, but the consensus among researchers is that genetic components and environmental factors play a large role. On top of these causes, other risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder, including:
- Engaging in substance or alcohol use, especially at a young age
- Having an immediate family member with bipolar disorder or another mental health condition
- Experiencing a traumatic event such as losing a loved one or a natural disaster
- Growing up with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) including poverty, abuse, or a chaotic environment
For men specifically, there may be underlying conditions occurring along with bipolar disorder. Substance use disorder, gambling addiction, and conduct disorder are more common among men with bipolar disorder than women.
The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder Explained
Gender does have a prevalence in the different types of bipolar disorder. Before we dive into which affects men more, let’s explore each type in its entirety. The main characteristics of bipolar disorder are mania and depression. Mania describes elevated mood episodes while depressive episodes cause low mood.
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I disorder involves experiencing manic episodes that last for at least 7 days. These are met with elevated moods that can result in experiencing psychosis. This is where hallucinations and delusions occur that can result in hospitalization. Between manic episodes, depressive episodes occur. These symptoms can overlap at the same time, which is called mixed episodes.
Men are more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder than women. Men also reported having a difficult time holding conversations during manic episodes and going through more behavioral problems.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by a lesser form of mania called hypomania. Hypomanic episodes last around 4 days. With bipolar II disorder, depressive episodes are more prominent. These can last for weeks to months at a time causing disruptions in day-to-day life. Bipolar II disorder often occurs in women more than men.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
Cyclothymic disorder is where the person experiences hypomanic and depressive episodes but not to the extent of being diagnosed as bipolar disorder. The symptoms are similar to those presented in bipolar disorder but are not as severe and do not last as long. Cyclothymic disorder affects men and women equally.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Men: How Are They Different From Women’s Symptoms?
Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary depending on the type of episode that the person is experiencing. During manic episodes, mood will be elevated resulting in increased productivity. The person will talk fast, have racing thoughts, feel like sleep is not needed, and have heightened emotions of elatedness or irritability.
During manic episodes, there can also be an increase in reckless behavior. As we mentioned above, men are more likely to take substances and engage in gambling during mania. These behaviors can put a strain on relationships and job performance. If they occur during psychosis, the person may not remember they took place.
Depressive episodes are described as the low of bipolar disorder, where mood and motivation dip. Symptoms include feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and sadness, lack of motivation to accomplish basic tasks, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, and thoughts of suicide or self-harm. These symptoms may interfere with daily life and affect relationships.
There are specific symptoms that can affect men differently than women. Let’s look at these further.
Earlier Onset
According to the International Bipolar Foundation, men are likely to experience their first episode 4-5 years before women presenting with bipolar disorder do. However, a study showed that treatment delays in men living with bipolar disorder averaged around 7 years. Despite having earlier onset of episodes, men still face difficulties when it comes to getting proper treatment.
Depression and Aggression
We talked about how men are more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and have manic episodes. During mania, irritation levels can rise and lead to increased aggression. This is especially true during psychosis, and the person can become violent without knowing. If you have a loved one showing increased aggression that is becoming threatening, get yourself somewhere safe and call for help. 988 can give you options for mental health crises and how to help your loved one.
Depressive episodes can affect men just as much as women. As we mentioned above, men face more stigma when it comes to facing mental health conditions and treatment. In the meantime, depression can cause decreased energy levels, motivation, and mood. This can also cause an increase in irritation and possibly, aggression.
Appetite Changes
Both manic and depressive episodes can cause appetite changes. For some, mania increases the appetite and cravings for favorite foods. Others find that they don’t need to eat as much as part of feeling invincible. The same variations can happen during depressive episodes. Some will find they are eating more while others eat less. No matter the circumstance, these scenarios can result in weight changes that affect self-esteem.
Treatment for Men with Bipolar Disorder in Tampa, FL
There is no shame in seeking help for mental health, and it’s time to end the stigma that men face. Bipolar disorder is life-long, but it is a completely manageable condition with the right professionals. Bipolar disorder treatment will consist of daily therapies, coping skill development, and medications to help with manic and depressive symptoms. You will learn your triggers, how to respond in healthy ways, and how to handle future stressors. Men deserve access to mental health care without judgment.
If you or someone you love is living with unmanaged bipolar disorder, help is available today. Clean Recovery Centers offers a full-spectrum mental health treatment program through our unique, three-phase approach. Not only can we diagnose and treat bipolar disorder, but we can also treat co-occurring substance use disorders. Call us today at (888) 330-2532 to learn more about our program offerings.
Get clean. Live clean. Stay clean.
