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BIPOLAR DISORDER
BIPOLAR DISORDER
BIPOLAR DISORDER
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PSYCHIATRY
Bipolar Disorder
Diagnosis & Support
Managing bipolar disorder's unpredictable mood episodes doesn't have to be a struggle you face alone. Connect with a senior Nuvirtis psychiatrist for a thorough clinical assessment, and if medication is right for you, have it prescribed online.
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BIPOLAR DISORDER
Understanding
Bipolar disorder
Common types
of bipolar disorder
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar I
Bipolar I involves at least one full manic episode lasting a week or longer, representing severe elevation in energy and mood. These episodes can appear as intense euphoria that feels disconnected from reality, or as extreme agitation and irritability.
During mania, people experience dramatic changes in sleep patterns and behavior that become noticeable to family, friends, and colleagues. These episodes significantly impact daily functioning and relationships.
Bipolar II
Bipolar II doesn't include full manic episodes. Instead, people cycle between depressive episodes and hypomanic states, which are less intense than mania but still represent a clear shift from normal mood and behavior.
Hypomania causes fewer disruptions to daily life compared to full mania. Stable periods often occur between episodes where functioning returns to normal levels.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder with mood fluctuations that don't reach the intensity of full hypomanic or major depressive episodes. People experience mild depressive phases and elevated moods that remain less severe than hypomania. These mood changes are chronic and persistent, typically lasting for at least two years in adults.
While symptoms are less severe than other bipolar types, cyclothymia can still significantly impact relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. The unpredictable mood swings often leave people feeling emotionally unstable, and many describe feeling like they're on a constant emotional rollercoaster with brief stable periods in between.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood episodes that significantly impact daily life. People experience alternating periods of elevated moods (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes with profound sadness or emotional emptiness. These cycles can last weeks or months.
Diagnosis can be challenging since symptoms often resemble other conditions. However, with proper psychiatric evaluation and treatment through medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, bipolar disorder is very manageable.
How can a psychiatrist help with bipolar disorder?
Proper diagnosis requires careful evaluation of your mood patterns and symptoms. A psychiatrist can distinguish bipolar disorder from other similar conditions, which is essential since misdiagnosis is common.
Psychiatrists develop treatment plans involving medication management, therapy referrals, and lifestyle strategies. They regularly monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed for better emotional balance.
Medication Management
Bipolar disorder is treated with mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications that help regulate brain activity. Antidepressants might be added for depression but are always combined with mood stabilizers to avoid triggering mania.
Medications take several weeks to show full benefits. Your psychiatrist will monitor your response and make adjustments as needed. Consistent daily medication, even when feeling well, is crucial for stability.
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Signs & symptoms
of bipolar disorder
Physical symptoms of bipolar disorder
During manic episodes, you might experience decreased need for sleep (feeling rested after only 2-3 hours), increased energy and restlessness, rapid speech, and heightened physical activity. Some people also notice changes in appetite, either eating much more or much less than usual.
Depressive episodes often bring fatigue, sleeping too much or insomnia, significant changes in appetite and weight, and physical slowing or agitation. You might also experience headaches, body aches, or digestive issues that don't seem to have a clear medical cause.
Emotional and mental symptoms
Manic episodes involve elevated or irritable mood, inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, racing thoughts, and difficulty concentrating. You might feel unusually confident, make impulsive decisions, or engage in risky behaviors that are out of character for you.
During depressive episodes, you may experience persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Concentration becomes difficult, decision-making feels overwhelming, and thoughts of death or suicide may occur.
When to seek help
Seek professional help if you notice extreme mood swings that last for days or weeks, especially if they're affecting your work, relationships, or daily functioning. If family or friends express concern about changes in your behavior or mood, it's worth taking their observations seriously.
Immediate help is needed if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, engage in dangerous or reckless behaviors, or experience symptoms of psychosis like hallucinations or delusions. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing bipolar disorder effectively.
Insight that
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Feeling better starts with finding the right provider. We make that connection easy, helping you find industry-leading psychiatrists who fit your unique needs and preferences.
01
Connect with your provider via online video conference to talk about your concerns, discuss your goals, and receive a comprehensive clinical diagnosis.
Initial Assessment
02
Your provider will walk you through different evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication options, or a combination of both.
Explore treatment options
03
Meet with your provider every 4–5 weeks to review your progress, monitor how you’re feeling, and discuss any necessary adjustments to your medication.
Medication Management
04
With your clinician regularly monitoring your progress throughout your care, three out of four clients see major symptom improvement in less than three months.
Feel the results
01
Assessment
Initial
Connect with your provider via online video conference to talk about your concerns, discuss your goals, and receive a comprehensive clinical diagnosis.
Find the right provider as soon as tomorrow.
Feeling better starts with finding the right provider. We make that connection easy, helping you find industry-leading psychiatrists who fit your unique needs and preferences.
Frequently asked questions
What medications are used to treat bipolar disorder?
Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves mood stabilizers such as lithium, anticonvulsants like valproate or carbamazepine, and atypical antipsychotics including quetiapine or olanzapine. Antidepressants may be used carefully alongside mood stabilizers during depressive episodes. Your Nuvirtis clinician will determine the best medication combination based on your specific symptoms, episode patterns, and individual response to treatment. Regular monitoring and adjustments are often necessary to achieve optimal results.
Is bipolar disorder gentic?
Yes, bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component. Research shows that having a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder increases your risk by about 10-15%, compared to 1-2% in the general population. However, genetics alone don't determine whether someone will develop the condition. Environmental factors, life stress, and brain chemistry also play important roles. Many people with a family history never develop bipolar disorder, while others with no family history do.
How does bipolar disorder affect relationships?
Bipolar disorder can create challenges in relationships due to unpredictable mood swings, periods of withdrawal during depression, or impulsive behavior during manic episodes. Partners, family, and friends may feel confused, hurt, or unsure how to help. However, with proper treatment, open communication, and education about the condition, many people with bipolar disorder maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships. Support from loved ones, clear boundaries, and professional guidance can make a significant difference in relationship stability.
What are the early warning signs of bipolar disorder?
Early warning signs often include extreme mood swings that seem out of proportion to circumstances, periods of unusually high energy or euphoria followed by deep depression, and significant changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or activity levels. People may also experience racing thoughts, impulsive decision-making, or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms typically emerge in late teens or early twenties, though they can appear later. If you notice persistent, extreme mood changes that interfere with daily life, it's important to consult a mental health professional.
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