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Just over 2.5% of adults in the United States have bipolar disorder and experience fluctuating episodes of depression and mania. If you seem to have intense mood changes with episodes lasting for weeks at a time, Ilya M. Ray, RN, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, and the team at Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry in Gurnee, Illinois, can provide evaluations and holistic treatment for bipolar disorder. Schedule your assessment and treatment consultation over the phone or book one online today.
What is bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder have often been misunderstood and misdiagnosed for a long time. Often in the media, bipolar disorder is mischaracterized by believing that it occurs only with severe mood swings alternating between depression and mania, but that’s not all. Depression and mania are symptoms of bipolar disorder, but there are other symptoms that may make life for someone with bipolar disorder more unmanageable at times, such as a decreased need for sleep, decreased appetite, doing risky things that are out of character that could get you in trouble, like spending too much money on things you don’t need or using alcohol or drugs excessively. Maybe you’re posting or texting more and at odd hours of the night.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition involving significant mood swings between prolonged episodes of depression and mania. You might also go for long periods without symptoms in either direction. You can experience:
Depressive episodes typically last for at least two weeks and involve intense symptoms of major depressive disorder. Bipolar Depression can last extended periods of time and can be difficult to treat. The symptoms can be persistent low moods like sadness or hopelessness along with changes in your appetite, trouble concentrating, fatigue, suicidal thoughts, and others.
Manic or hypomanic episodes involve lots of energy and can lead to restlessness, talkativeness, risky behaviors, and racing thoughts. Hypomanic episodes are less intense than manic episodes. Some people can have symptoms of both depression and mania at the same time. Other mental or behavioral health conditions, including addictions and anxiety, can intensify your bipolar disorder symptoms.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves an in-depth psychiatric assessment at Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry. Your practitioner asks about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while comparing your symptoms with the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder can appear in adolescents or adults, but the symptoms and their patterns can change based on your age. Like other mental health disorders, it often shows up alongside other diagnoses. Your practitioner at Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry can address your mental health conditions while creating your personalized care plan.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry treats bipolar disorder with a holistic approach that prioritizes the health of your mind, body, and spirit. Medication management, along with counseling or psychotherapy, helps you learn about your condition and develop strategies to manage your moods and behavior.
Some people also benefit from prescription medication to balance their brain chemistry as they go through therapy to manage bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizing medications may help balance your moods and reduce mood swings.
Additionally, as a holistic psychiatry practice, Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry often recommends diet and lifestyle changes alongside clinical treatments to improve your overall wellness, consistency, and quality of life.
Bipolar I disorder and Bipolar II disorder are two different types of bipolar disorder that have different symptoms and look different over time. Importantly, they are treated differently. It’s important to get the right diagnosis in order to get the right treatment. Let us help.
The cyclic moods that come with bipolar disorder can throw your life into disarray. If you experience depressive and manic (or hypomanic) episodes, call Vibrant Integrative Psychiatry to schedule an appointment today.
