Bipolar Specialist

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder was once called manic-depressive disorder because the condition causes mood swings from low-energy depression to high-energy mania. But bipolar disorder doesn’t fall into one category.

There are several types of bipolar disorder, and each one follows a different pattern:

Bipolar I disorder

This type is closest to the classic manic-depressive disorder. You typically have extreme mood swings between major depression and mania. Manic episodes are often severe enough to require hospitalization.

Bipolar II disorder

This type is defined by having at least one episode of major depression and at least one of hypomania. Hypomania causes the same symptoms as full-blown mania, but they’re less severe and seldom need hospitalization.

Cyclothymic disorder

If you have this type of bipolar disorder, you have frequent mood swings, but your symptoms are less severe than bipolar I and II.

What symptoms occur during bipolar mania?

The symptoms of mania include:

• High activity level
  
• Difficulty sleeping
  
• Racing thoughts
  
• Rapid speech
  
• Talking more than usual
  
• Feeling anxious or irritable
  
• Engaging in many activities at once
  
• Engaging in risky behavior
  

Examples of risky behavior include reckless or drunken driving and going on a spending spree.

What symptoms occur during a depressive episode?

Bipolar depression has the same symptoms as major depression, including:

• Having no energy
  
• Feeling sad and hopeless
  
• Losing interest in the activities you usually enjoy
  
• Sleeping too much or too little
  
• Eating too much or too little
  
• Having a hard time concentrating
  
• Thinking about suicide
  

Patients with bipolar disorder often experience depression before their first episode of mania.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The professional team at Instic Health relies on the latest research and most advanced options to provide holistic treatment for bipolar disorder.

Your initial evaluation begins with a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history. Then your Instic Health specialist performs a comprehensive psychological evaluation to verify your diagnosis.

Each person’s treatment is customized to meet their unique physical and mental health needs. Most patients, however, receive medication alone or a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Mood stabilizing medications reduce mood swings and prevent manic and depressive episodes. Psychotherapy or talk therapy helps you learn to manage stress, relationship and sleep problems, alcohol abuse, and other issues that can trigger bipolar mood swings. 

If you need help with mood swings or bipolar disorder, call Instic Health, or connect with the team online today.