Bipolar Disorder

The three bipolar disorders cause mood swings with symptoms ranging from so severe you need in-patient treatment to mild but occurring so frequently that they disrupt daily life. The mental health professionals at Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc., in Atlanta, Georgia, have extensive experience diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder, providing the integrative care you need to manage the challenges and pursue a fulfilling life. Call the office today or request an appointment online to get compassionate care for bipolar disorder.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, one of the most serious mental health conditions, causes swings between high-energy mania and low-energy depression. However, the severity of your symptoms during each mood episode depends on the type of bipolar disorder you have.

You may have one of three primary bipolar disorders:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder causes episodes of mania and major depression. Your manic episodes last a week or longer and cause such severe symptoms that most people need hospitalization to restore a balanced mood.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder causes mood swings between hypomania and major depression. Hypomania is less severe than mania, causing an energy level often perceived as positive and may improve your daily performance rather than leading to dangerous behaviors.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is defined by episodes of mild hypomania and depression. However, your mood swings occur frequently, last at least two years, and don’t stop for over two months. 

What bipolar symptoms will I have?

During manic or hypomanic episodes, you may:

• Talk rapidly or excessively
• Have nonstop energy
• Need little to no sleep
• Experience racing thoughts
• Feel self-important
• Have delusions and hallucinations (during severe mania)
• Engage in risky behaviors (overspending, driving while drinking, etc.)

During episodes of depression, you may:

• Feel sad, worthless, and hopeless (depressed)
• Lose interest in your favorite activities
• Gain or lose weight
• Have difficulty sleeping or sleep too much
• Feel restless and irritable
• Have little to no energy
• Have difficulty concentrating
• Think about suicide

Depression often causes muscle pain, headaches, and chronic pain.

What does bipolar disorder treatment involve?

Though your Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc. provider always creates a personalized treatment plan, mood-stabilizing medications are essential for everyone with bipolar disorder. Taking your medication on a regular schedule can prevent or reduce future mood swings.

Therapy has an important role in treating bipolar disorder. You can learn how to manage the challenges caused by bipolar disorder in every aspect of your life, from finding a job to getting a good night’s sleep. Many people with bipolar disorder have insomnia, which can trigger a mood swing.

Your provider also recommends ways to improve your eating habits, exercise more, and overcome stress — lifestyle changes that can ease bipolar disorder symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Call Psychiatry of Atlanta, Inc. today, or book an appointment online to learn more about managing bipolar disorder.