Written by Greg Rennie, Bipolar Disorder Specialist
Greg Rennie is a Canadian Psychotherapist with 20 years' experience providing therapy for clients with bipolar disorder and their families. He is an entrepreneur and founder of 'Bipolar Disorder Therapy’ an online therapy company and co-host of the podcast, ‘MindBody Matters.’
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). However, within the spectrum of bipolar disorder, there exists a concept known as predominant polarity, which refers to the dominant mood state that a person experiences most frequently. Understanding predominant polarity is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of bipolar disorder.
What is predominant polarity?
Predominant polarity in bipolar disorder refers to the recurring pattern of mood episodes that a person experiences. These episodes can be manic, depressive, or mixed. Identifying predominant polarity involves assessing the frequency and duration of mood episodes over time to determine whether a person tends to experience more manic/hypomanic episodes, depressive episodes, or a mix of both.
Types of predominant polarity
1. Manic predominant polarity
Individuals with manic predominant polarity experience more manic or hypomanic episodes than depressive episodes.
They may exhibit symptoms such as elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsivity, and heightened irritability.
Manic predominant polarity can pose challenges in maintaining relationships, employment, and overall functioning.
2. Depressive predominant polarity
People with depressive predominant polarity experience more depressive episodes than manic or hypomanic episodes.
Symptoms of depression may include persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Depressive predominant polarity can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life, leading to difficulties in various areas of life.
3. Mixed predominant polarity
Mixed predominant polarity involves experiencing both manic/hypomanic and depressive symptoms simultaneously or in rapid succession.
Individuals with mixed predominant polarity may feel agitated, irritable, and restless while also experiencing depressive symptoms such as sadness, guilt, and hopelessness. This type of predominant polarity can be particularly challenging to manage and may require specialized treatment approaches.
Importance of identifying predominant polarity
Accurately identifying predominant polarity is essential for several reasons:
1. Treatment planning
Knowing whether a person's bipolar disorder is predominantly manic, depressive, or mixed influences the choice of treatment strategies. For example, mood stabilizers like lithium or anticonvulsants may be more effective for manic predominant polarity, while antidepressants combined with mood stabilizers or atypical antipsychotics may be preferred for depressive predominant polarity.
2. Prognostic implications
Predominant polarity can impact the course and prognosis of bipolar disorder. For instance, individuals with depressive predominant polarity may be at higher risk of suicide, while those with manic predominant polarity may experience more frequent hospitalizations due to manic episodes.
3. Personalized care
Tailoring treatment plans to match an individual's predominant polarity helps optimize outcomes and improve overall quality of life. By understanding a person's unique symptom profile, healthcare providers can offer targeted interventions and support services.
Predominant polarity plays a significant role in the presentation, treatment, and prognosis of bipolar disorder. By recognizing whether a person's bipolar disorder is predominantly manic, depressive, or mixed, healthcare providers can deliver more personalized and effective care. Moreover, individuals with bipolar disorder and their loved ones can gain insights into their symptom patterns and better navigate the challenges associated with this condition.
Greg Rennie, Bipolar Disorder Specialist
Greg Rennie is a bipolar disorder specialist with 20 years of experience as a therapist in the field of mental health and addiction. In addition to his professional experience, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder II in 1997. As an entrepreneur, he founded the startup, ‘Focus Mental Wellness’ in 2015, one of Canada’s first online therapy companies. In 2023, he left the company to build his private practice, Rennie Clinical Services, and the brand, ‘Bipolar Disorder Therapy’.
