Collaborative Care Psychiatry
a n d M e n t a l H e a l t h
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder goes beyond mood swings, often leading to symptoms that interfere with everyday activities like work, school, and relationships.
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At Collaborative Care Psychiatry and Mental Health, we provide personalized care for teens and adults dealing with bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder, don’t hesitate to contact us to book an appointment with us. Our goal is to help you manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
What are bipolar disorders?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect a person's energy levels, activity, judgment, behavior, and ability to think clearly.
There are several types of bipolar disorder, including bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, and other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders. It is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management, but with proper treatment, which may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, people with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives. It's essential for individuals with bipolar disorder to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a treatment plan that suits their needs.
There are several types of bipolar disorder, each characterized by distinct patterns of mood swings. The main types include:
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1. Bipolar I Disorder: This type involves manic episodes that last at least 7 days or are severe enough to require immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes typically last at least 2 weeks.
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2. Bipolar II Disorder: In this type, the person experiences a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than full manic episodes) but never a full manic episode.
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3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): This type features numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as depressive symptoms that last for at least 2 years (1 year in adolescents).
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4. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders: These categories include forms of bipolar disorder that do not fit into the above categories but still involve significant changes in mood.
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Each type of bipolar disorder can have varying degrees of severity and may require different treatment approaches. It's important for individuals with any form of bipolar disorder to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and management.
What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorders?
Bipolar disorders often begin in the teens or early 20s. Depending on the type of bipolar disorder, symptoms may include:
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Manic and Hypomanic Episodes
These involve feeling overly energetic, extremely happy, or irritable. Other signs include increased activity, excessive talking, and risky behaviors like overspending. Severe manic episodes may include psychosis, with symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.
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Major Depressive Episodes
This includes intense sadness or hopelessness that disrupts daily life, along with loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
How are bipolar disorders diagnosed and treated?
At Collaborative Care Psychiatry and Mental Health, we take time to understand your symptoms, concerns, and medical history to accurately diagnose the type of bipolar disorder you have. Our provider may use cognitive testing or diagnosis-specific questionnaires to guide the process.
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Treatment may include medication management, psychotherapy, or both. We also focus on overall well-being, recommending lifestyle changes in nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Additionally, bibliotherapy may be explored to address the patient’s mental health issues.
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Let’s start a personalized treatment for you, contact Collaborative Care Psychiatry today and Mental Health! Together, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and mental health goals.
