Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts move between periods of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) and periods of low mood (depression). These mood episodes can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder involves distinct mood episodes that differ markedly from a person's usual state. During manic episodes, individuals may experience elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior. Hypomanic episodes are similar but less severe and don't cause significant impairment. Depressive episodes involve low mood, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes thoughts of death or suicide.

There are different types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder involves at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, but no full manic episodes. Cyclothymic disorder involves periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don't meet full criteria for episodes.

Symptoms

Manic or Hypomanic Episodes may include:

• Elevated, expansive, or irritable mood

• Increased energy and activity

• Decreased need for sleep

• Racing thoughts or rapid speech

• Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem

• Increased goal-directed activity or restlessness

• Impulsive or risky behavior

• Distractibility

Depressive Episodes may include:

• Persistent sad, empty, or hopeless mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• Significant changes in appetite or weight

• Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide

My Approach to Treatment

I take a comprehensive, collaborative approach to treating bipolar disorder. Effective treatment typically involves both medication management and psychotherapy, alongside attention to lifestyle factors that support mood stability.

Medication Management: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and other medications can help regulate mood episodes and prevent recurrence. I work closely with each patient to find the most effective medication regimen with the fewest side effects, monitoring regularly and adjusting as needed.

Psychotherapy: I incorporate evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify triggers and develop coping strategies, and psychoeducation about bipolar disorder, which empowers patients to recognize early warning signs of mood episodes and take proactive steps.

Holistic Care: I consider each patient within the context of their relationships, family systems, and life circumstances. Treatment often involves attention to sleep hygiene, stress management, routine stabilization, and substance use, all of which significantly impact mood stability.

Collaborative Approach: I believe in working closely with other providers who may be involved in your care, including therapists, primary care physicians, and family members when appropriate. I also emphasize the importance of developing a relapse prevention plan and maintaining regular follow-up.

Recovery is possible, and many people with bipolar disorder lead fulfilling, productive lives with appropriate treatment and support.

Getting Started

If you're experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder or have concerns about mood instability, I offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to assess your symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan.

To schedule an appointment, please call or email my practice. I look forward to working with you toward greater mood stability and wellness.