Bipolar Disorder

Q & A

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes significant fluctuations in how you feel and behave. With bipolar disorder, you go through phases of mania or hypomania (feelings of elation) and phases of depression (sad or negative moods). You also have stages where you’re feeling neutral. 

While everyone goes through emotional fluctuations, the fluctuations that come with bipolar disorder are much more dramatic than the typical individual experiences. In fact, these fluctuations can be so intense that they affect your ability to keep up with school, work, or your personal life. 

Fortunately, bipolar disorder is manageable, and you can lead a full life while having the condition. There are many treatment options out there, and a personalized care plan can keep you as productive and functional as possible. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be separated between manic or hypomanic and depressive:

Depressive symptoms: Depressive symptoms are similar to major depressive disorder. You may feel sad, hopeless, fatigued, or experience suicidal thoughts. 

Manic or hypomanic symptoms: Manic symptoms typically last for up to a week at a time. They can involve more energy and less need for sleep, faster speech, impulsive decision-making, and risky behaviors. 

How is Bipolar Disorder treated?

Treating bipolar disorder is similar to treating other similar mood disorders such as depression. Usually, the best approach is a custom plan that includes both psychotherapy and medications. 

Prescriptions for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, antidepressants, and antidepressant-antipsychotics. Finding a medication that works well to balance your mood may take some trial and error. 

In addition to medications and counseling or therapy, your treatment for bipolar disorder might involve treatment for co-occurring conditions, like addiction. 

To schedule an appointment and learn more about bipolar disorder, call Adrian Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic, or book online today.