Do you ever experience periods of intense elation followed by emotional lows? Do these mood changes affect your ability to connect with others or maintain your goals?
If this resonates with you, you may be one of the 40 million people worldwide that experience bipolar disorder.
Autism may co-occur with bipolar disorder and cause a variety of traits, including difficulties with social skills, speech, behavior, and communication.
The exact prevalence for autism and bipolar disorder is not entirely known. This is because the two conditions may share overlapping traits, which can lead to misdiagnosis. If you are experiencing this dual diagnosis, a neurodiversity-affirming therapist in Ontario, Canada, may be of support.
Keep reading to discover more about bipolar disorder, the traits of autism, how these two experiences intersect and differ, and some effective strategies for bipolar disorder.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference and neurodivergent condition that is characterized by a range of traits.
It exists on a spectrum because individuals can experience varying degrees of these traits.
These traits may consist of a strong focus on specific interests, difficulties with social communication, sensory sensitivities, and information processing challenges.
Importantly, autism should not be viewed through a pathological lens but rather as a natural variation in brain neurology. Many autistic individuals view their experiences from an identity-first lens, emphasizing the fact that these traits are not something to cure or fix.
Furthermore, autistic individuals may have unique strengths, such as attention to detail, creativity, and deep expertise in their areas of interest. These strengths can enrich their lives and the lives of those around them.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme mood changes.
These changes involve periods of emotional highs, known as mania or hypomania, and periods of extreme lows, known as depressive episodes.
During depressive episodes, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in the activities that you once enjoyed.
Manic or hypomanic episodes, on the other hand, may involve periods where you feel very excited or happy, full of energy, or irritable.
Hypomania Versus Mania
Understanding the difference between hypomania and mania can help to distinguish between bipolar I and bipolar II.
Mania involves an elevated mood and increased energy with more severe symptoms, which may include reckless behavior, grandiose beliefs, and impaired judgment. These can significantly impair an individual's personal or professional development.
Hypomania, on the other hand, is a less intense form of mania that may involve elevated mood, increased energy, and enhanced productivity without the extent of dysfunction seen in full-blown mania.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
The two primary types of bipolar disorder are Bipolar I and Bipolar II. These can be characterized as follows:
Bipolar I: Defined by at least one manic episode and one depressive episode.
Bipolar II: Characterized by at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode.
Individuals living with bipolar disorder often describe their experiences as cycles of emotional extremes that can significantly impact their relationships, work, and quality of life.
The Traits of Autism and Bipolar Disorder
Autism and bipolar disorder are both characterized by specific traits. The symptoms of bipolar disorder typically fall into two different categories, depending on whether the individual is experiencing a depressive or manic/hypomanic episode.
The symptoms of a mania or hypomania episode include
Extreme elation
increased energy
Increased irritability
A distorted sense of self
Sleep disturbances
Impulsive risk-taking behaviors
Extreme cases of mania may also include delusions or hallucinations, where you see or hear things that are not there or believe things that are not true.
On the other hand, depressive episodes involve periods where your mood is low and may include a variety of symptoms, which consist of:
Feeling sad most of the days.
Changes in your sleep or eating habits
Weight gain or weight loss
Concentration and focus challenges
Fatigue
Thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
The traits of autism exist on a spectrum, which means that the severity differs from person to person. Some of the common traits that an autistic individual may experience include:
Difficulty with social interaction
Communication challenges, such as trouble understanding social cues
Practicing repetitive behaviors, also known as stimming
Displaying very specific preferences
Difficulty with routine
Sensory sensitivities
The Connection Between Autism and Bipolar Disorder
Autistic individuals are more likely to experience symptoms of bipolar disorder and be diagnosed with the condition.
One study found that autistic individuals between the ages of 17 and 43 years old were 9.34 times more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder than the general population.
This connection underscores the importance of understanding how the traits of autism might overlap with mood fluctuations characteristic of bipolar disorder.
Some traits of autism, like difficulties in social communication and a propensity for rigid thinking, may complicate the recognition and diagnosis of bipolar disorder in autistic individuals.
Furthermore, mood fluctuations may sometimes be misinterpreted as typical behaviors of autism, resulting in underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
The exact cause of this overlap is also still being explored. Some researchers believe that there may be a genetic component. If you have a family member who has bipolar disorder or is autistic, you are more likely to experience these conditions yourself.
There may also be shared neurobiological underpinnings, including irregularities in neurotransmitter systems that regulate mood and behavior.
How the Traits Compare (Differences)
While there are overlaps between the traits of autism and the mania or hypomania of bipolar disorder, it’s essential to distinguish them. Here are some of the differences that may occur:
Social Interaction
Autistic individuals may experience challenges with social interaction, understanding social cues, and preferences for routine.
On the other hand, during a manic episode, someone may exhibit excessive social engagement, a decreased need for sleep, and impulsive risk-taking behaviors that seek out change and novelty.
Interest and Focus
Both autistic individuals and those who experience mania may have a list of uncompleted projects, but these are usually for different reasons.
For autistic individuals, this could be due to autistic inertia. This involves a freeze response that autistic people experience when trying to start a task.
Whereas individuals experiencing mania may engage in increased goal-directed activity based on impulse, which can lead to uncompleted projects.
Mood Regulation
While autistic individuals and individuals with bipolar disorder may experience emotional dysregulation, the mood changes in bipolar disorder are more cyclic compared to those seen in individuals with autistic traits.
Understanding these differences aids in the recognition of each condition and greater diagnostic accuracy and treatment.
How to Recognize Mania in an Autistic Person
If you or someone you know is autistic and believed to also be experiencing bipolar disorder, there are some signs to watch out for to understand how these two conditions may occur together.
The common signs to watch out for include:
Increased Energy: Notable spikes in energy levels or activity that you normally would not experience.
Racing Thoughts: You might experience thoughts racing through your head. When you try to get these thoughts out, your speech may be incoherent.
Impulsivity: Engaging in risky behaviors or behaviors that don’t fit your personality, often without considering the consequences.
Changes in Sleep: A decreased need for sleep. You may appear energized even if you did not get 7-9 hours of sleep.
Intense moods: Rapid shifts in mood that seem out of proportion to the context may suggest manic episodes.
Moreover, if these symptoms have been there since your autism appeared, it may not be mania. But if these symptoms are the result of a sudden shift or change in mood or behavior, you may be experiencing mania.
What to Do If You Suspect You May Have Bipolar Disorder as an Autistic Person
If you suspect you may have bipolar disorder alongside your autistic traits, the first step may be to note down and track the symptoms that you experience.
Keep a journal to track mood changes, behaviors, and sensory experiences. This can provide insights and patterns that may be helpful in discussions with professionals.
Once you have a sense of the symptoms you are experiencing, consult with a healthcare professional for support.
Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about both autism and bipolar disorder can enable a more nuanced treatment approach. For instance, neurodiversity-affirming therapy respects your neurodiversity and will acknowledge the unique traits of autism while addressing mood challenges in a supportive manner.
Getting a Diagnosis
Another step you may wish to take if you suspect you may have bipolar disorder is to obtain a diagnosis.
This will involve seeing your family doctor or another medical professional who has the credentials to diagnose bipolar disorder. This may include a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
The mental health professional will conduct a comprehensive evaluation that may involve interviews and standardized questionnaires.
It may also consist of taking a detailed history of current and past moods. This may help professionals discern between the traits of autism and potential mood swings indicative of bipolar disorder.
A proper diagnosis can lead to more targeted treatment and support that honors both the autistic identity and the experiences of bipolar disorder.
What to Expect from Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach for bipolar disorder. Treatment typically involves a holistic approach that combines therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.
Medication may involve mood stabilizers such as lithium or antipsychotics that help you manage your mood. These medications usually also involve careful monitoring from a medical professional to make sure that all your vitals remain stable.
In addition, psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), may be used to support you in developing skills that can be used alongside medication to support you in managing your mood.
The therapist may use neurodiversity-affirming approaches and craft the therapeutic environment and your treatment plan based on neurodivergence.
This approach is a lot like the quote, “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” Ableism and systemic issues in society that disable neurodivergent individuals are viewed as an issue here, not the person.
Furthermore, you may also engage in lifestyle changes, including implementing routines that support regular sleep, balanced nutrition, and physical activity, so you are able to regulate your mood.
Importantly, the treatment of bipolar disorder should be individualized (person-centered) and respect your individual needs, strengths, and challenges.
Strategies for Autism and Bipolar Disorder
Now that you have an understanding of bipolar disorder and its overlap with autism, you can focus on the strategies that will support you in navigating your challenges. These strategies include:
Becoming aware of your warning signs: everyone with bipolar disorder will have different warning signs that suggest a manic or depressive episode is about to start. When you notice these warning signs, you can implement a safety or wellness plan that you created. This will include safe people you can talk to, self-care measures, and reminders for medications, among other things.
Creating a routine: when in a depressive or manic episode, certain environmental changes can exacerbate symptoms. For instance, if you are in a depressive episode, experiencing insomnia may make it worse. During these episodes, you can establish a routine to take care of yourself. Consider going to bed and getting ready for bed at the same time each night. Sleep hygiene is a huge factor in mental wellness.
Exploring stress management techniques: stress is a key factor that can exacerbate symptoms of depression and mania. Stress management techniques, such as engaging in yoga, meditation, and self-care, may be of support to you. You could also consider distress tolerance techniques such as TIPP, ACCEPTS, and IMPROVE, using your senses, and radical acceptance.
Communicate Your Needs: Be open about your feelings and needs with friends, family, or therapists to foster understanding and support. Bipolar can be characterized as a disability, and you can ask for accommodations to support your needs at school or work.
Finding your purpose: when in a depressive episode, sometimes it can be difficult to find pleasure in things. Finding your purpose may help you find the things you are passionate about and improve your energy levels. Consider writing down a list of things that make you feel alive or that you enjoy. If this is too difficult, make a list of your values and beliefs and explore hobbies around them.
Build a Support Network: Connect with others who understand your experiences. Identify trusted friends, family, or support groups where you can share challenges. Regular check-ins with this network can provide emotional support and community.
Use the Spoon Theory: As a neurodivergent individual, you may experience periods where your energy is low. If you are going through a depressive episode this may be even more pronounced. The spoon theory can support you with regulating your energy levels so you don’t burnout.
Develop Coping Strategies for Mood Swings: Create a personalized toolbox that contains items that you can use when you are experiencing a manic/hypomanic or depressive episode. This may include a list of activities as well, such as going for a walk, listening to music, or journaling.
Keep a Mood Journal: Track your moods and emotions to identify patterns and potential triggers. Regularly reviewing your journal can help you recognize warning signs and develop strategies for managing mood changes effectively.
Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to screens, especially before bedtime. This can improve sleep quality and alleviate anxiety. Designate specific times for device use and stick to them to create healthier habits.
Use Positive Affirmations: If you are experiencing a depressive episode, your mood may be low. Repeat positive statements to yourself daily to reduce the negative self-talk that may occur in those experiencing depressive episodes.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and communicate your limits to others to protect your mental well-being. Establishing clear boundaries helps ensure that your needs are met and respected.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Caffeine and alcohol may increase your impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors. They may also increase your anxiety and impact your mood stability. Consider finding alternative beverages that are soothing.
Book a Free Consultation With Blue Sky Learning
Are you or someone you know experiencing the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Do you need personalized support to manage your mood fluctuations?
As a team of therapists and coaches, the team at Blue Sky Learning is here to help.
Schedule a free consultation today with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist or coach by emailing hello@blueskylearning.ca or following the link below.
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