Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

People with bipolar disorder suffer 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.

Are there different types of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder has three types:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder is the severest form. During manic periods, you might be brimming with energy and exhibit behaviors such as:

• Sleeping very little
• Talking fast and loud
• Difficulties focusing
• Irritability and short temper
• Doing too much
• Taking risks
• Racing thoughts
• Exaggerated self-esteem

Manic episodes may last a few days or persist for weeks. When they end, depression might leave you with so little energy you struggle to get up, wash, or dress. The sadness and despair can be so severe that you consider suicide. Depression can last for months before you experience another manic episode.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder symptoms resemble those of bipolar I. However, while the depression is often severe, the mania tends to be less intense. People with bipolar II disorder may experience periods where their mood is more stable in between the mania and depression.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder causes hypomania (a milder form of mania) and moderate depression. If you have cyclothymic disorder, you can usually manage daily life quite well but could suffer a crisis when a mood change overwhelms you.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Mood stabilizers like lithium help reduce the severity and frequency of your mood changes. Dr. Brutus at La Bonne Sante Clinic might also recommend medications such as ketamine infusions to help with specific symptoms.

Talk therapy can also be invaluable. 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.

Dr. Brutus 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 La Bonne Sante Clinic or request an appointment online today.