Bipolar Treatment
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health condition associated with extreme mood swings between depression symptoms and emotional highs, also called manic symptoms. Continuous mood changes can negatively affect your behavior and ability to think clearly or make sound decisions.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
If you have bipolar disorder, you might experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
Manic episodes
- Feeling upbeat, wired, or jumpy
- Increases in energy and activity
- Euphoria
- Racing thoughts
- Extreme talkativeness
- Decreases in the need for sleep
- Distractibility
- Poor decision making
- Impulsive behavior
Depressive episodes
- Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Problems concentrating
- Thoughts of suicide
If left untreated, bipolar disorder can negatively affect your job and interpersonal relationships. See the Ultimate Psychiatry team for an evaluation at the first sign of a bipolar disorder.
What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?
While the cause of bipolar disorder is not known, certain factors may increase your risk of developing it. Examples include brain chemistry, genetics, family history of bipolar disorder, chronic stress, a traumatic life event, and drug or alcohol abuse.
How does my provider diagnose bipolar disorder?
To diagnose bipolar disorder and develop a treatment plan, your Wholesome Psychiatry provider performs a physical examination, reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and completes a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. They might recommend you undergo blood tests to detect or rule out underlying medical problems.
What are common bipolar disorder treatment options?
Your personalized bipolar treatment plan might include the following:
Lifestyle changes
Making specific lifestyle changes can reduce bipolar disorder symptoms. Examples include not drinking, smoking, or using recreational drugs, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and surrounding yourself with a positive social support network.
Medications and Psychotherapy
Taking medications can stabilize your mood, reducing symptoms of depression, extreme highs, and mood swings to help you thrive in your environment. Wholesome Psychiatry provider will work with you on creating individually tailored medication regimen based on thorough psychopharmacological evaluation and genetic testing. We will also offer interpersonal therapy, and supportive counseling to help you overcome bipolar disorder symptoms.