Bipolar disorder is a lifelong psychiatric condition causing mood changes that cycle from severe depression to mania. If you experience symptoms of bipolar disorder, visit board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner Martine Senatus, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, and her colleagues at VIP Integrative Healthcare in West Palm Beach, Florida. These experienced mental health experts offer effective treatments that help you manage your bipolar disorder and live a more rewarding, settled life. To benefit from their care, call VIP Integrative Healthcare today or book an in-person or telemedicine appointment online.
People with bipolar disorder suffer from severe mood changes, going from deep depression to mania (overconfidence and hyperactivity) and back to depression in a never-ending cycle. These mood shifts are impossible to manage without treatment and can severely affect your quality of life.
Bipolar disorder has three types:
Bipolar 1 disorder is the severest form. During manic periods you might be brimming with energy and exhibit behaviors such as:
Manic episodes may last a few days or persist for weeks. When the manic cycle ends, depression can be overwhelming.
You might have so little energy you struggle to get up, wash, or dress. The sadness and despair might lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Depression can last for months before you experience another manic episode.
Bipolar 2 disorder symptoms resemble those of bipolar 1. However, while the depression is often severe, the mania tends to be less intense. People with bipolar 2 disorder may experience periods where their mood is more stable between mania and depression.
The two primary bipolar disorder treatments are talk therapy and medication.
Mood stabilizers like lithium help reduce the severity and frequency of your mood changes. Your VIP Integrative Healthcare provider might also recommend medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics to help with specific symptoms.
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition where each mood causes emotional and practical issues that make you feel even worse when the cycle changes.
For instance, you might overspend and get into debt during a manic phase. Dealing with new debts on top of your other problems causes additional stress and self-loathing that makes your depression worse.
VIP Integrative Healthcare offers interpersonal psychotherapy to help you manage the emotions bipolar disorder causes. You can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on correcting flawed thought patterns and helping you cope with daily challenges.
For expert help and support with bipolar disorder, call VIP Integrative Healthcare today or book an in-person or telemedicine appointment online.