Bipolar Depression Specialist

What is bipolar disorder?

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.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder symptoms fall into two categories: depressive and manic.

Depressive symptoms include:

• Feelings of sadness, despair, and guilt
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Lost interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration, decision making, and memory
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Manic symptoms include:

• Feelings of grandiosity and exaggerated self-esteem
• High energy levels
• Need for less sleep
• Eating less
• Easily distracted
• Talking more than usual
• Scheduling too many activities at once
• Racing thoughts
• Self-destructive or reckless behaviors

If you have Bipolar II or cyclothymic disorder, you have hypomanic symptoms, which are milder versions of manic symptoms.

What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. However, your risk of developing bipolar disorder increases if you:

• Have a family history of bipolar disorder or another mental health condition
• Have experienced a high-stress situation, such as the death of a parent, spouse, or child
• Abuse drugs or alcohol

How is bipolar disorder treated?

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.