Bipolar

Bipolar disorder affects almost 3% of adults in the United States each year. If extreme mood swings are part of your daily life, support is available at Cecilia Medical Center in Ellicott City, Maryland. Their skilled team diagnoses and treats bipolar disorder in children, teenagers, and adults. Schedule an in-person or virtual evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression, is a condition causing severe mood swings ranging from emotional highs (mania) to depressive moods. These continuous mood swings may negatively affect your emotions, behaviors, and quality of life. Left untreated, bipolar disorder can cause problems in relationships, school, or work. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

The following are symptoms of bipolar disorder:

• Increased or decreased energy levels
• Extreme shifts in mood
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Being very sad one minute and overjoyed the next
• Talking more than usual or at a fast pace
• Being distracted easily
• Fatigue
• Impulsive or poor decisions
• Racing thoughts
• Weight loss or gain
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Social isolation from other people
• Thoughts of suicide
• Relationships challenges
• Problems at work or school
• Feeling restless, worthless, guilty, or shameful
• Difficulty concentrating or staying organized

You might feel on edge because of bipolar disorder or have an anxiety disorder in addition to a mood disorder. 

What are the different types of bipolar disorder?

Examples of the different types of bipolar are as follows.

• Bipolar I disorder: at least one manic episode with a hypomanic (less severe than manic) or major depressive episode
• Bipolar II disorder: at least one major depressive episode with at least one hypomanic occurrence (no manic episodes)
• Cyclothymia: at least two years (one year in kids and teens) of hypomania symptoms cycled with depressive symptoms

Bipolar disorder-related mood changes might also be due to a medical condition, drugs, or alcohol.

What increases the risk of bipolar disorder?

Examples of bipolar disorder risk factors include:

• Brain changes
• Family history of bipolar disorder
• Trauma
• Stress
• Drug or alcohol misuse

Your risk may be higher if you have a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder. 

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

The Cecilia Medical Center team diagnoses bipolar disorder by completing a psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. They discuss your lifestyle, medical history, medications, moods, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and customize an effective treatment plan.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder treatment plans may include:

• Medication management 
• Lifestyle coaching
• Social support
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
• Psychoeducation 
• Family-focused therapy
• Substance abuse treatment
• Referrals for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

It’s helpful to adopt healthy habits like good nutrition, regular exercise and sleep, stress reduction, and to avoid alcohol or drugs. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth bipolar evaluation at Cecilia Medical Center by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.