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About 3% of adults in the United States have bipolar disorder at any given time. At Hampstead Therapy and Wellness, based in Hampstead, North Carolina, Holly Giarratano, LCMHC-A, and James Manning, MD, diagnose and treat bipolar disorder to reduce mood swings, ease sadness, and optimize your quality of life. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
Bipolar Disorder Q & A
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder affecting your mood and overall well-being. It’s characterized by alternating between manic episodes (state of euphoria) and depressive episodes (extreme sadness). These constantly changing moods might negatively affect your decisions, work or school performance, and relationships with other people.
What are the different types of bipolar disorder?
Examples of the various forms of bipolar disorder are the following:
- Bipolar I disorder: one or more manic episodes
- Bipolar II disorder: depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (no full manic episodes)
- Cyclothymic disorder: chronically unstable moods with hypomania and depression for at least two years
- Other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders: don’t meet the criteria for bipolar I, II, or cyclothymia
See the experts at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness if you or a loved one struggles with severe or ongoing sadness and mood swings.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is often characterized by the following symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Extreme happiness cycled with depressive thoughts
- Sudden mood changes
- Racing thoughts
- Sudden increases or decreases in energy
- Impulsivity
- Poor judgement
- Drug or alcohol misuse
- Extreme excitability cycled with a lack of motivation
Bipolar disorder affects nearly six million adults in the United States. Risk factors include hormone changes, stress, trauma, brain chemistry changes, and a family history of bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
Diagnosing bipolar disorder at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness involves a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, emotions, moods, thoughts, and behaviors to establish which mental health condition you may have and how to best treat it.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Treating bipolar disorder could consist of medication management, counseling, and making lifestyle modifications. Your specialist teaches you ways to overcome negative behavior and thought patterns and make any necessary lifestyle changes. For example, it’s helpful to exercise regularly, minimize stress, get enough sleep, and eat nutritious foods.
It’s also important to take any medications exactly as directed and attend counseling sessions as needed to achieve a long-term stable mood and an exceptional quality of life.
Schedule an in-person or telehealth bipolar disorder evaluation at Hampstead Therapy and Wellness by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.