What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that causes severe mood swings and extreme highs and lows in your behavior and thoughts. Those with bipolar disorder experience periods of mania, where they feel extremely happy, productive, and energized, and periods of depression, where they feel hopeless, unhappy, and unmotivated.
Are there different types of bipolar disorder?
There are three primary types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I disorder
Those with bipolar I disorder experience at least one full manic episode, which can precede or follow more mild manic episodes, called hypomania, and major depressive episodes.
Bipolar II disorder
If you have bipolar II disorder, you’ve had at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, but you’ve never had a full manic episode.
Cyclothymic disorder
Cyclothymic disorder causes at least two years of hypomanic and depressive episodes. It typically causes less severe symptoms than the previous two types of bipolar disorder.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Managing bipolar disorder can be difficult, which is why it’s important to understand the early signs of mania and depression.
The most common signs of mania include:
- Increased energy
- Agitation
- Feeling unusually talkative
- Insomnia
- Extreme self-confidence
- Becoming easily distracted
- Fidgeting
- Sudden spending sprees
- Taking sexual risks
The most common signs of depressive episodes include:
- Extreme sadness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of energy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Changes in weight
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating
If you have bipolar disorder, you may also experience severe psychosis or anxious distress.
What are the treatments for bipolar disorder?
When diagnosing bipolar disorder, Dr. Marquez-Floyd recommends a full physical exam and psychiatric assessment. She may also ask you to keep a daily record of your moods, sleep patterns, and more to determine which type of bipolar disorder you have.
Mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications are essential treatments for bipolar disorder. Antidepressants and antianxiety medication can also help you manage potentially harmful thoughts and feelings.
Along with medication, therapy and counseling help you stay on track at work or school, manage relationships, and complete daily tasks.
To schedule an appointment at Estelita Marquez-Floyd, M.D., call or book a visit online today.
