Bipolar Disorder

If you experience extreme moods ranging from intense mania to depression, you might be part of the 2.8% of Americans who live with bipolar disorder. Jay Rivas, MD, and the team at NuMind Psychiatry in Seattle and Kennewick, Washington, diagnose and treat bipolar disorder, helping you to lead a healthy life. If you have bipolar disorder, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes abnormal mood swings that can interfere with your ability to function normally. You may have periods of regular moods between your manic and depressive episodes. 

There are three types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder causes extreme shifts in mood between depressed and manic episodes that last for two weeks or more. It’s usually diagnosed during a manic episode that causes dangerous behaviors.

Bipolar II also causes severe mood swings, but instead of manic episodes, you have hypomanic episodes, which produce less severe but still disruptive symptoms. Bipolar II is often diagnosed during a depressive episode. 

Cyclothymic disorder is the mildest type of bipolar disorder. Your periods of depression and hypomania may last longer, but the symptoms are not as severe or disabling as with bipolar I or II. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

If you have bipolar disorder, you have different symptoms depending on whether you’re in a manic or depressive mood. 

Some of the common symptoms of a manic episode include:

• Feeling euphoric with exaggerated self-esteem or grandiosity
• High energy levels
• Not sleeping
• Feeling jumpy or agitated
• Being more talkative than usual
• Having racing thoughts
• Trying to do too many things at once
• Engaging in risky or self-destructive activities

However, if you’re in a depressed episode, you may have symptoms including:

• Feelings of intense sadness, despair, worthlessness, or guilt
• Low energy levels
• Changed sleep patterns
• Changed appetite
• Loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you have bipolar II or cyclothymic disorder, your manic symptoms are less extreme and disruptive than with bipolar I. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

NuMind Psychiatry offers highly personalized treatment plans for bipolar disorder. The providers often combine several therapeutic approaches to address your health from different angles. 

For example, they may prescribe medication to regulate your brain chemistry and function, relieving some of your mood swings and symptoms. At the same time, you may attend counseling sessions to explore and resolve any underlying issues that contribute to your condition. 

You may also benefit from introducing lifestyle changes such as nutritional adjustments, exercise, and meditation. 

NuMind Psychiatry is committed to helping you improve your mental, emotional, and physical health. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.