Updated On: May 7, 2024
Updated on 1/14/2023
Bipolar disorder is characterized by major shifts in energy and mood changes that are so severe they impact daily functioning. Though bipolar disorder is becoming a more commonly understood mental health condition in our society, when we talk about it specifically as it relates to men, there often seems to be a disconnect in that understanding.
Bipolar disorder affects 2.8% of adults in the United States and slightly more men are affected by it than women are. While gender doesn’t seem to have a huge impact on who can develop bipolar disorder, it does play a rather significant role in how it presents. Part of this is because bipolar disorder affects both psychological and emotional states, which can differ in men and women.
Bipolar disorder symptoms in men can be somewhat tricky since men may be more prone to denying when there is a problem. This likely has a direct correlation to the societal norm that teaches men that showing emotion is a sign of weakness.
Read on to learn more about what signs of bipolar disorder in men you should know about, how it differs in men and women, and what to know about finding treatment.
Bipolar disorder can present quite differently in men than it does in women. There are a few key differences that are important for us to note.
Expert Insight
“While the bipolar disorder symptoms experienced by men do not differ much from those experienced by women, the challenge is in men understanding and acknowledging these symptoms since in many cultures in our society, these symptoms are valued or devalued based on gender. For example, the extreme overconfidence and feeling great that comes with mania can be perceived in men as simply being a confident masculine man. In contrast, when grappling with depressing symptoms, men often do not want to admit those feelings because they don’t want to be perceived as being “weak’. These cultural norms can make it more challenging for men to acknowledge and be properly diagnosed with Bipolar.”Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R), BC-TMH Jill Daino
Men and women can have widely varying differences in the signs and symptoms they experience when they have bipolar disorder. Discussing and understanding them is essential because signs of bipolar disorder in men are often linked to why both diagnosis and treatment are often put off. As with most mental health conditions, seeking treatment and early intervention for behavioral health is the best predictor of successfully managing bipolar disorder.
Men are much more likely to have a severe manic episode or feel manic symptoms where they have extreme highs, a lot of unexplained energy, and feel little to no need for sleep. This differs from women in that women much more commonly experience a depressive episode that is specific to bipolar disorder. The mania or manic phase experienced by a man can last anywhere from multiple days to several months during any given episode. Manic episodes can lead to a complete loss of touch with reality. Men are also more likely to have severe aggression during a manic episode.
Common bipolar symptoms in men regarding mania episodes:
When men experience a depressive episode or depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, they’re more likely to be angry and irritable than women are. Since societal norms deem aggression as a common attribute to the male sex, violent behavior that’s due to bipolar disorder can first be seen as acceptable. Thus, a diagnosis for bipolar depression might not be made as timely or appropriately as it should be. Additionally, it can be difficult to know if you have bipolar disorder vs. depression without a proper diagnosis because of the depressive episodes.
Common bipolar symptoms in men regarding depressive episodes:
Men might be extremely sensitive to the idea that they’re dealing with a mental health condition like bipolar disorder. Due to this, it’s important to be cognizant of what they may be feeling and experiencing.
If you’re dating someone with bipolar disorder, noticed mood symptoms in a family member, or worried about a man in your life who you think may have untreated bipolar disorder, you can begin with a simple conversation. Here are some ways you can broach the subject if you’re seeing any common bipolar symptoms in men:
All of these are crucial to understanding how to help someone with bipolar disorder.
Though bipolar disorder in men is generally considered a lifelong mood disorder, treatment for someone with bipolar disorder experience can help. The road may not be easy, and it might take some time and several different efforts before a treatment plan is in place that’s as effective as possible.
The first step in any of this is getting a bipolar disorder diagnosis so you can then find the person help. Next, it’s going to be extremely important to maintain consistent treatment once a good plan is in place. This can be difficult for some men who, as they start to feel better, may desperately want to stop their treatment. A strong support system is often key to managing bipolar disorder. There is good news, however — it can be done.
The Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health notes that there is an 80% success rate for bipolar disorder treatment.
Expert Insight
“Bipolar is treatable. You do not have to suffer alone. Reaching out for help is an important step. Reaching out to your doctor or a licensed mental health professional can be the first step to address your symptoms and get support.”Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R), BC-TMH Jill Daino
There are several treatments for bipolar disorder.
Wondering how to know if you are bipolar? If you, or someone you know, think you may have bipolar disorder, start with a bipolar disorder test to learn more. From there, connect with a licensed therapist that can help with a diagnosis and bipolar disorder treatment.
National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed November 7, 2021.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Accessed November 7, 2021.
Arnold, Lesley M. The Psychiatric clinics of North America vol. 26,3 (2003): 595-620. doi:10.1016/s0193-953x(03)00036-4. Accessed November 7, 2021.
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2017. Accessed November 7, 2021.
Dome, Peter et al. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) vol. 55,8 403. 24 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/medicina55080403. Accessed November 7, 2021.
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Published 2000. Accessed November 7, 2021.
Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R, BC-TMH, is a clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and program director. She works to support quality clinical care at Talkspace. Her work as a clinician and trainer focuses on the mental health impact of body image concerns and eating disorders across the lifespan.