Bipolar disorder
Formerly known as manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by mood changes that range from depressed lows to manic highs.
While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, we know that both environmental factors and genetics play a role. Individuals who have a family history of depression or bipolar disorder are more likely to develop bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
Manic & hypomanic episodes
A distinct period which lasts at least one week, during which the person is extremely happy or irritable, which is accompanied by an increase in energy or activity. During manic episodes, the symptoms are severe enough to cause problems in the social and work life. In general, at least three of the following changes in behavior are also present:
- Decreased need for sleep (feeling well rested even with less sleep)
- Increased self-esteem
- Talking more than normal
- Uncontrollable, racing thoughts or quickly changing topics or ideas when talking
- An increase in activity
- Distractibility
- An increase in risky behavior (excessive spending, reckless driving, unusual promiscuity)
Hypomania is similar to mania, but hypomanic episodes are less severe and last for a shorter time, typically four days. Although an overall change in mood can be noticed by other people, hypomanic symptoms do not generally cause major disruptions in your life. Hypomania is often followed by low or depressed moods.
Major depressive episodes
While hypomania or mania is what makes bipolar disorder distinct, individuals with bipolar disorder tend to struggle much more with depressive episodes than mania.
Major depressive episodes last at least two weeks and feature at least five of the following symptoms:
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Hopelessness or thoughts of death or suicide
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Intense sadness
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Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
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Feeling worthless or guilty
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Fatigue
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Increased or decreased sleep
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Increased or decreased appetite
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Difficulty concentrating
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Slowed speech or movement
How common is bipolar disorder?
Within the U.S., bipolar disorder affects roughly 2.6% of the population. In most cases, the onset of bipolar disorder occurs in adolescence or into early adulthood (ages 18-25). Bipolar disorder itself is split into two distinct types, Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Bipolar I is diagnosed when a person experiences a manic episode. Bipolar II is diagnosed when a person has at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode.
Bipolar disorder is a treatable mental health condition. Through a combination of talk therapy and medication management, both of which we offer at Geode Health, you can take the necessary steps towards a better tomorrow. You and your provider at Geode will work together to establish the best possible treatment option for your specific needs.
Treatments for bipolar disorder
Talk therapy
Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy is an effective option for a number of different symptoms and conditions, bipolar disorder. Talk therapy can take many different forms, so you and your therapist can work to find the best option for your specific situation, condition, and symptoms. Talk therapy can be used in combination with medication and other forms of treatment, if needed.
Medication management
Medications are recommended in combination with therapy for treating bipolar disorder. Our providers will make sure you get the proper treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and needs. This treatment will also include ongoing monitoring of your progress and symptoms, making sure to adjust medication doses and frequency as needed.
Get treatment for bipolar disorder at Geode Health
When you work with Geode Health, you can rest easy knowing you and your loved ones are in good hands. We will work with you to confront and overcome bipolar disorder. To discuss possible treatment options, contact our team today, or simply schedule an appointment online at a Geode Health location near you if you’re ready to get started.
If you are in crisis and in need of immediate support
Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or text the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741