Bipolar

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes dramatic swings between high (manic) and low (depressed) moods. Your depressed episodes, manic episodes, and the rapid change between them can disrupt your life and relationships.

There are three classifications of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

Bipolar I 

Bipolar I causes dramatic mood changes between depression and mania. You may have periods of normal moods between your extremes.

Bipolar II 

Bipolar II also causes extreme swings between high and low moods, but you have hypomanic episodes, which are milder manic episodes.

Cyclothymic disorder 

Cyclothymic disorder causes emotional ups and downs, but your symptoms aren’t as severe as either bipolar I or II.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes both depression and mania symptoms. Some of the common signs of a depressed episode include:

• Feelings of intense sadness or despair
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
• Disrupted sleep
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration and indecisiveness
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Signs of a manic episode include:

• Feeling revved up or overly energetic
• Decreased need for sleep
• Feelings of grandiosity
• Easily distracted
• Overscheduling and trying to do too many things at once
• Risky or self-destructive behavior
• Uncontrollable racing thoughts

Hypomanic symptoms are similar to manic symptoms, but are less severe and don’t last for more than four consecutive days.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The psychiatry team at Monumental Health Partners can determine if your behavioral changes and other symptoms relate to bipolar disorder during an initial assessment. They review your symptoms and medical history to identify all factors that impact your mental health. 

To treat bipolar disorder, the Monumental Health Partners team may recommend a combination of medication and talk therapy. Your provider typically prescribes a mood-regulating drug to balance your brain chemistry and reduce your symptoms. 

In addition to in-person care, Monumental Health Partners collaborates with psychotherapists to help teach you effective techniques to regulate your behaviors, so you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

If you’re experiencing unexpected mood swings or behavioral changes, get a bipolar disorder assessment with the team at Monumental Health Partners. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.