Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can have wide reaching impact on people who have the disorder and those close to them. At Uptown Psych, located in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, the practice’s group of experienced professionals is well-equipped to help minimize the symptoms of this disorder with medication and state-of-the-art therapeutic treatment. If you know someone who may have bipolar disorder, help them get the assistance they need to improve their overall health and begin the process of learning how to cope with this disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Q & A
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that impacts your mood, energy, and overall functioning. If you have bipolar disorder, you experience intense, heightened emotional states at unpredictable times. They’re called mood episodes and may be labeled manic, hypomanic, or depressive. If you have bipolar disorder, you also have long periods during which you are in a normal mood or emotional state. Bipolar disorder can be treated and if you have it, you can lead a productive life without too much limitation.
What are symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder has three different categories: Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, and Cyclothymic Disorder. There are common symptoms found across all three types, but specific diagnoses for each type vary on a thorough evaluation of those common symptoms, which include:
- Manic episode (lasts at least a week, exhibits some of the following)
- Over-the-top self-esteem
- Overtalking, talking loudly and fast
- Trouble focusing
- Risky behavior
- Increased multitasking, overbooking
- Racing thoughts
- Decreased need for sleep
- Hypomanic episode (at least 4 days)
- Symptoms are similar to a manic episode but less severe and shorter lasting
- Major depressive episode (at least 2 weeks exhibiting some of the following)
- Heightened despair; feelings of helplessness
- Lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Feelings of guilt
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Feeling restless
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Trouble focusing
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be controlled and mitigated with the intervention and treatment practices of a trained, experienced therapist. If you notice symptoms in someone you know, it’s important to help them seek the help that could change their life for the better.
How do you treat bipolar disorder?
At Uptown Psych, treatment always requires medication to control and monitor bipolar disorder symptoms. However, the practice believes that long-term control of symptoms relies on a trusted alliance with an experienced therapist. With that essential collaboration, you can manage symptoms effectively. As with many mental illnesses, tempering the effects of bipolar disorder and making sure people with the disorder can lead full lives, trust is a central issue. An ongoing, successful relationship with a trusted medical professional who is outside your family is critical.