Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder changes your mood from depression to mania and back in a constant cycle. Chima Asikaiwe, MD, and Cecilia Chanda, PMHNP, at Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services in Garland, Texas, specialize in providing expert care for people with bipolar disorder and the related condition, cyclothymia. To discover a more effective way of managing bipolar disorder, call the office today or book an appointment online.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes a cycle of mood changes that can be extreme. In one part of the cycle, patients suffer from depression. This shifts to mania (hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and overconfidence) for a while before depression takes over again.

Bipolar disorder has two forms, bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 disorder is a more severe form, causing disabling mood changes. People with bipolar 2 disorder tend to experience severe depression, but their manic phases are less extreme.

A third condition, cyclothymia, is a milder form of bipolar disorder where mood changes are more manageable. However, it can still make life a constant challenge.

What symptoms does bipolar disorder cause?

In the depressive stage of bipolar disorder, you experience persistent hopelessness and despair that you can’t shake off. Feelings of self-loathing, guilt, shame, and worthlessness take over, and nothing in your life brings you pleasure.

Some people sleep far more; others develop insomnia. You may lose your appetite or turn to unhealthy foods for comfort. It can be hard and sometimes impossible to function normally or even get out of bed on bad days. Severe depression can result in thoughts of self-harm and taking your own life.

During the manic phase, your depression symptoms reverse, so you feel full of energy and confidence, unable to sit still, and have little need for sleep. Risk-taking behaviors are common during a manic phase, so people might drive recklessly, overspend, or take recreational drugs.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

There’s no cure for bipolar disorder, so treatment focuses on making mood changes less extreme and relieving symptoms of depression. Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services specializes in treating bipolar disorder using a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Medication can be invaluable for bipolar disorder, particularly types 1 and 2. Mood stabilizers like lithium stop the shifts from depression to mania occurring as frequently and reduce their severity.

Antidepressants help you manage depression, and your Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services provider might prescribe anti-anxiety medicines if you also suffer from anxiety.

Talk therapies serve several purposes in bipolar disorder treatment. Interpersonal psychotherapy methods help you process experiences, traumas, and problems in your life. Behavioral therapies provide you with practical techniques that make daily life less of a struggle.

To benefit from effective treatment for bipolar disorder, call Greathope Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services today or book an appointment online.