What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including bouts of depression cycled with extreme emotional highs, or mania. Your bipolar disorder might be mild or severe. If it negatively impacts your life, including your relationships, work, or school, contact the expert mental health team at Axis Psychiatry for an evaluation.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Symptoms you may experience with bipolar disorder depend on which phase of the condition you’re in. Common signs and symptoms include:
Mania
- Being upbeat, wired, or jumpy
- Distractibility
- Excitability
- Euphoric feelings
- Talkativeness
- Impulsive behavior
- Poor decision making
- An exaggerated sense of wellbeing
- High energy levels
- Increased activity
- Getting less sleep
- Racing thoughts
Depression
- Loss of interest
- Feeling sad or empty
- Hopelessness
- Worthlessness
- Feeling of guilt
- Weight loss or gain
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Suicidal thoughts
Risk factors for bipolar disorder include a family history of the disease, stress, traumatic life events, and alcohol or drug abuse. If bipolar disorder is left untreated, complications might include poor school or work performance, relationship problems, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
To diagnose bipolar disorder, Dr. Zafar and her team review your symptoms, discuss your personal and family medical history, and complete a physical examination. She also conducts a psychiatric assessment to determine if bipolar disorder or another mental illness is responsible for your symptoms.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
To treat bipolar disorder properly and optimize your quality of life, Dr. Zafar and her team offer:
Medications
Taking medications for bipolar disorder can reduce symptoms of the disease, stabilize your mood, and maximize your quality of life. Make sure to take all medications as prescribed.
Psychotherapy
Family, group, or individual therapy sessions are often helpful for treating bipolar disorder. Dr. Zafar might recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you better manage beliefs and behaviors or interpersonal and social therapy rhythm therapy to help you set consistent routines.
Substance abuse treatment
If you suffer from alcohol or drug problems, substance abuse treatment is crucial to managing your bipolar disorder properly. Your treatment may consist of medications, group therapy, or individual counseling.
Don’t let bipolar disorder negatively affect your relationships, work, or school. Schedule an appointment with Axis Psychiatry by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.
