Euthymic Mood in Bipolar Disorder: How It Really Feels (2024)

Euthymic mood can be defined as a state of well-being and tranquility. It is a term that is generally used when talking about bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition where people shift between episodes of major depression and mania or hypomania. Euthymia describes the phases between, without either of these extremes.

This article discusses the meaning of "euthymic mood" and how it relates to bipolar disorder. It also goes over some management strategies for people with bipolar disorder.

Euthymic Mood in Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves both extremes of emotional highs and lows that reach levels of depression and mania.

A euthymic mood is that time between major depressive, manic, or hypomanic episodes. It does not necessarily mean that there are no symptoms of depression or mania at all, but rather, that if symptoms are present, they are minor and below the threshold of being considered a diagnosable mood.

How long the euthymic state lasts depends on the person, the severity of their disorder, and how well they respond to treatment. These phases may be short, or they could last years. The average length is 18 months.

What It Is

Euthymic mood is the phase between bipolar episodes. Mood is a subjective emotional state. Affect describes how a person’s mood is shown through nonverbal behavior.

What It Isn’t

Euthymia does not mean a person is cured. A common misconception is that a euthymic mood among people with bipolar disorder means they no longer have the condition. This is not true.

Although there are treatments for bipolar disorder, and euthymic phases can last years, bipolar is a lifelong condition that needs to be monitored for possible bipolar episodes.

Recognizing Periods of Euthymia

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals who treat bipolar disorders are great resources for determining phases of euthymia. It can also be helpful for people with bipolar disorder to keep a journal of thoughts, feelings, and symptoms to reflect on regularly.

Since euthymia is the phase of bipolar disorder without major depression, mania, or hypomania, it can be identified by the absence of bipolar episode symptoms—for example, the lack too little or too much sleep, fatigue or excessive energy, or a mood that is either depressed or abnormally upbeat.

What You Can Do

Staying on medications, even during phases of euthymic mood, is important to prevent bipolar episodes. This is because stopping the treatment is likely to lead to manic or depressive episodes. Stopping these medications can be very dangerous, especially when the process is not guided by a qualified medical professional.

Avoiding triggers is another important way to maintain euthymia. Stress is one of the biggest triggers. It can also be helpful to keep track of mood fluctuations and triggers during all phases of the illness to determine patterns that could aid in symptom management.

Additionally, coping strategies such as physical activity can help prevent bipolar episodes and make euthymia last longer.

Mood Changes From Co-Occurring Conditions

People with bipolar disorder often suffer from anxiety disorders as well, which may make it more difficult to treat bipolar disorder.

Alcohol and drug overuse are also common among people with bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drugs can trigger bipolar episodes.

Other conditions that may occur with bipolar disorder include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders, and physical health problems.

Anxiety

Nearly half of people with bipolar disorder are diagnosed with anxiety disorder as well.

While anxiety is a feeling that anyone can experience, an anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that involves excessive and persistent fear, worry, or excessive apprehension, such as general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.

These conditions may complicate treatment for bipolar disorder.

Anhedonia

Anhedonia occurs when a person is unable to feel pleasure, which can happen in depression. Anhedonia is experienced by more than half of people with bipolar disorder when they are in a depressive episode.

Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed.

Treatment doesn’t stop if a patient is in a euthymic state.A person with bipolar disorder may still struggle with anxiety, apprehension, or intense fear of the next bipolar episode even when they are euthymic. This means that a euthymic mood cannot be the end goal for people with bipolar disorder, but that their overall well-being must be considered as well.

Many things can be done to help manage bipolar disorder in addition to medication, including:

• Eating a well-balanced diet
• Exercising regularly
• Following a routine
• Remaining consistent with medications and medical appointments
• Journaling and tracking mood and symptoms
• Managing stress
• Not using alcohol or drugs
• Leaning on social networks and professionals for support

Therapy can also help. Some of the therapy techniques commonly used for people with bipolar disorder include the following:

• Well-being therapy is short-term therapy that involves self-observation and journaling. Your therapist will meet with you regularly and give you exercises to work on at home.
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy helps you learn to manage distressing thoughts and emotions by teaching you to be mindful and to pursue activities that bring you pleasure.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy teaches acceptance and awareness with a combination of behavioral techniques and mindfulness.
  

Summary

Among people with bipolar disorder, euthymia is an episode of doing well between episodes of major depression, mania, or hypomania. The details of these phases depend on the person. They could be frequent or rare, and could be short or last years. Even during times of euthymic mood, it is important to keep up with bipolar disorder treatment plans.