Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis & Treatment
Bipolar Disorder and Intense Mood Swings
If you’re struggling with bipolar disorder, please know that you are not alone. There is help available.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by intense mood swings that range from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to deep lows (depression). You might feel overly energized, need little sleep, talk rapidly, or take big risks during manic phases. On the other hand, depressive episodes can leave you feeling hopeless and drained. You might even find difficulty in enjoying hobbies/activities that you previously enjoyed. There are several types of Bipolar disorders, however the symptoms are similar.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder - Common Symptoms
Brightland Health professionals (psychiatrists, psychiatry providers, and therapists) diagnose Bipolar based on many factors. Bipolar disorder is characterized by the presence of what are called manic and depressive episodes. You can read more about them below. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses, or DSM-5 (The handbook used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders); for a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, it is necessary to meet the criteria for a manic episode. However, the manic episode may or may not have been followed by or preceded by major depressive episodes.
Either way, these shifts can be overwhelming. You are not your diagnosis, you are a whole person, with strengths and struggles. It is ok to have highs and lows and there are effective ways to manage them. You don’t have to face this alone. You can see a therapist and psychiatrist to help with bipolar symptoms.
Manic Episodes:
If you have a “Manic” episode you might be feeling elevated or have an irritable mood lasting 1 week (or any duration if requiring hospitalization) with some of the following symptoms:
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Inflated self-esteem
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Decreased need for sleep
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Very talkative
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Flight of ideas or racing thoughts
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Distractibility
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Increase in goal directed activities
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Excessive involvement in risky activities
If these symptoms are less severe or last only 4 days, they may be considered part of a “hypomanic” episode.
Depressive Episodes:
A “Depressive” episode can be described as experiencing 2 weeks of feeling depressed with some of the following symptoms:
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Depressed mood
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Loss of interest in activities
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Changes in appetite
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Poor sleep
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Feelings of restlessness or feeling slowed down
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Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
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Loss of energy
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Poor concentration
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Thoughts of death or suicide
What To Expect as a Patient - And What Makes Our Bipolar Treatment So Effective?
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
We believe that the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is often a combination of therapy and psychiatric medications.
At Brightland Health, find treatment for Bipolar with a therapist. In therapy you may learn strategies to identify your feelings and cope with mood swings. Also, therapy can help you develop a healthy, structured daily routine. This process can mitigate these bipolar symptoms.
Additionally, Bipolar treatment with a psychiatrist often includes prescribing mood stabilizers or atypical antipsychotics.
Overall, you deserve stability and good care. You can learn to control mood swings and lead a healthy, productive life. It is brave to seek help, and we are here to provide understanding and take steps with you.
Schedule online today or call us 312-796-7121 and find your brighter future.
