Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorders are brain conditions that cause abnormal mood changes that interfere with your energy levels and ability to function in your day-to-day life. There are a few different types of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar 1

Bipolar 1 causes intense swings between periods of mania that last at least seven days and depressive episodes that last two weeks or more. Most patients with bipolar disorder seek help during or after a manic episode.

Bipolar 2

Bipolar 2 also causes intense mood swings. However, you have hypomanic and depressive episodes. Hypomania is similar to mania, but it doesn’t last as long, and your symptoms aren’t as severe. 

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a mild type of bipolar disorder. You have frequent and constant mood swings, but your symptoms are less intense and don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for depression or mania.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorders cause different symptoms, depending on whether you are in a depressive or manic episode. 

Depressive symptoms include:

• Feelings of intense sadness, despair, and helplessness
• Lost interest in activities
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Disturbed sleep
• Restlessness
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue 
• Reduced concentration

During a manic episode, you might experience symptoms such as:

• Feelings of euphoria, grandiosity, or exaggerated self-esteem
• Insomnia
• Reduced appetite
• Racing thoughts
• Talking loudly or quickly
• Overscheduling
• Being easily distracted
• Engaging in reckless behavior

Hypomania symptoms are similar to signs of mania but less intense. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The team at Plymouth Psych Group takes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to treating bipolar disorders. They begin with a thorough evaluation of your mental, emotional, and physical health and then create a personalized treatment plan to restore your health and well-being.

Many patients benefit from medication to regulate their brain chemistry and relieve their symptoms. In addition to medicine, the team at Plymouth Psych Group also helps you improve your overall health with changes to your diet and exercise habits, meditation, and therapy to help you learn to recognize your triggers, control your impulses, and practice self-care techniques.  

Call Plymouth Psych Group or schedule an appointment online today if you’re concerned about bipolar disorder.

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