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Bipolar disorder affects less than 3% of teens and adults in the United States. However, more than 80% of those diagnosed with this mental illness have severe symptoms. At Bellevue Psychiatry in Vancouver, Kirkland, Bellevue, and Kennewick, Washington, their team takes an integrative and multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of bipolar disorder to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or request one online today.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depressive disorder, is a serious mental health condition characterized by unusual fluctuations in mood. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania and depression that affect energy, mood, activities, and concentration.
When left untreated, bipolar disorder worsens and may be life-threatening. Bellevue Psychiatry takes a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of bipolar disorder and offers innovative therapies and treatments to stabilize your mood.
What are the types of bipolar disorder?
There are three types of bipolar disorder that each cause mood shifts that fluctuate between mania and depression. However, the severity of the mood changes varies between the types.
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I disorder is the most severe. With this type, you experience manic episodes that last seven or more days and require hospitalization. The manic episodes are then followed by periods of depression that can last two or more weeks.
Bipolar II disorder
With bipolar II disorder, you may experience hypomania that’s less severe than those with bipolar I disorder, followed by episodes of depression.
Cyclothymic disorder
With cyclothymic disorder, you may have moods that shift between hypomania and depression that last two or more years. However, your hypomania and depression don’t meet the diagnostic qualifications for bipolar disorder.
What are bipolar disorder symptoms?
Bipolar disorder symptoms vary based on the type of disorder you have, as well as whether you’re going through a manic or depressive episode. Symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
Manic symptoms
Manic symptoms of bipolar disorder include high energy, overexcitement, and feelings of high importance and power. During a manic episode, you may feel jumpy and irritable and have no appetite or desire for sleep.
Depressive symptoms
During a depressive episode, you may have very low energy and feel sad, lonely, and hopeless. You may have trouble concentrating and very little interest in the activities you enjoy.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Bellevue Psychiatry takes a multidisciplinary approach to bipolar disorder and offers many treatment modalities. Your treatment plan may include:
Medication management
To control symptoms, Bellevue Psychiatry offers medication management. You may require more than one medication to stabilize your mood, along with ongoing adjustments as needed.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an important part of your treatment plan and is individualized to meet your specific needs to help you better understand your mental illness.
Interventional psychiatry
Bellevue Psychiatry also offers interventional psychiatry for the treatment of bipolar disorder, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine infusion therapy.
To schedule a consultation at Bellevue Psychiatry, call the nearest office or book online today.