Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows referred to as mania and depression. When a person falls into a depressive state they may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania, you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. During a mood swing episode, the symptoms last every day for most of the day. Episodes may also last for longer periods, such as several days or weeks.
There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. They may include mania or hypomania and depression. Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life.
Bipolar I disorder. You've had at least one manic episode that may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In some cases, mania may trigger a break from reality (psychosis).
Bipolar II disorder. You've had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but you've never had a manic episode.
Cyclothymic disorder. You've had at least two years — or one year in children and teenagers — of many periods of hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms (though less severe than major depression).
Other types. These include, for example, bipolar and related disorders induced by certain drugs or alcohol or due to a medical condition, such as Cushing's disease, multiple sclerosis or stroke.
Depressive Episode
People having a depressive episode may:
· Feel very sad, down, empty, worried, or hopeless
· Feel slowed down or restless
· Have trouble falling asleep, wake up early, or sleep too much
· Experience increased appetite and weight gain
· Talk very slowly, have nothing to say, forget a lot
· Have trouble concentrating or making decisions
· Feel unable to do even simple things
· Have little interest in almost all activities, a decreased or absent sex drive, or an inability to experience pleasure
Manic Episode
People having a manic episode may:
· Feel very “up,” “high,” elated, or irritable or touchy
· Feel “jumpy” or “wired”
· Have a decreased need for sleep
· Have a loss of appetite
· Talk very fast about a lot of different things
· Feel like their thoughts are racing
· Think they can do a lot of things at once
· Do risky things that show poor judgment, such as eat and drink excessively, spend or give away a lot of money, or have reckless sex
· Feel like they are unusually important, talented, or powerful
Bipolar in Children and Adolescents
Bipolar presents differently in children and adolescents. They may have depressive and/or manic episodes, but the patterns can vary from that of adults with bipolar disorder. Moods can rapidly shift during episodes. Some children may have periods without mood symptoms between episodes. The most prominent signs of bipolar disorder in children and teenagers may include severe mood swings that are different from their usual mood swings.
Our team will help your child manage symptoms, learn to identify triggers, and work through feelings assicoated with the barriers they face having this disorder. Treatments range from medication, therapy, and behavioral modification techniques.
Beating Bipolar Disorder
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but there are ways to help make it easier for yourself or loved one.
Get treatment and stick with it, recovery takes time and it’s not easy, but treatment is the best way to start feeling better.
Keep medical and therapy appointments and talk with your provider about treatment options.
Take medications as directed.
Structure activities, keep a routine for eating and sleeping, and make sure to get enough sleep and exercise.
Learn to recognize your mood swings and warning signs, such as decreased sleep.
Ask for help when struggling to stick with your treatment.
Be patient, improvement takes time, social support helps.
Avoid misuse of alcohol and drugs.
We can help: Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, but with ongoing treatment we can help control symptoms and enable you to live a healthy life. Our team is here to support your journey toward health and balance.