Extreme Mood Changes
Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences extreme changes in mood, accompanied by significant changes in thoughts, energy activity levels and behavior. These “highs and lows” or “mood swings” can be extremely disruptive to personal and professional life and are hard to predict. They are drastically different than the person’s usual mood ups and downs that go along with normal life stress. Because people are more likely to come for treatment when depressed, a careful medical history must be undertaken in order to identify the pattern as bipolar, as the treatments for the different mood disorders can differ.
Many Faces of Bipolar Disorder
There are multiple types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II and Cyclothymia. They all include episodes of depression, and are differentiated based on the level of intensity of symptoms of the manic phase primarily. Bipolar I includes a history of a manic episode, Bipolar II includes a hypomanic episode, and cyclothymia includes no discrete episodes but significant mood cycling that can be disruptive to functioning. Additionally, some people can experience episodes of bipolar disorder that include both depressive and manic symptoms, known as a “mixed” episode.
How We Help
Our talented team of psychiatrists and therapists use a collaborative approach for patients with bipolar disorder that results in successful treatment and positive outcomes. You’ll receive a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to accurately identify symptoms and ensure the proper diagnosis. We determine the optimal mix of treatment for your symptoms and health history, and incorporate state-of-the-art treatment protocols to help you recover and maintain a stable, productive life.