Bipolar disorder is a brain condition that triggers severe mood swings that alternate between depression and euphoria. If you have troubling mood swings, contact Jemima Mensah, PMHNP, at Reform Psychiatry LLC in Smyrna, TN, La Vergne TN, & Murfreesboro TN. Jemima offers expert diagnosis and compassionate, customized treatments to help you recover. Call or make an appointment online today.
Bipolar disorder is a group of mood disorders characterized by intense mood swings between depression and mania. While you may have periods of normal mood between your extremes, your depressive and manic episodes cause disruptive symptoms that interfere with your ability to function normally and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar I causes mood swings between mania and depression. Bipolar II also causes swings, although your manic episodes aren’t as severe and are classified as hypomanic. Cyclothymic disorder causes the mildest symptoms, although your episodes may last longer.
Bipolar disorder symptoms fall into two categories: depressive and manic.
Depressive symptoms include:
Manic symptoms include:
If you have Bipolar II or cyclothymic disorder, you have hypomanic symptoms, which are milder versions of manic symptoms.
Bipolar disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. However, your risk of developing bipolar disorder increases if you:
At Reform Psychiatry LLC, Jemima offers customized treatment plans to regulate your mood and help you regain a healthy and fulfilling life. She often combines medication with therapy and lifestyle modifications. While medication helps regulate your moods, during therapy you learn to cope with your thoughts and emotions and resolve underlying issues that contribute to your illness.
You may also find that taking better care of your body with diet, exercise, and medication helps you feel better equipped to deal with the challenges of bipolar disorder.
If you’re concerned about bipolar disorder, either in yourself or someone you love, contact Reform Psychiatry LLC to schedule an assessment today.