Bipolar

Bipolar disorder can appear any time between childhood and the age of 50, but the first signs usually begin in people aged 15-24. No matter how old you are when bipolar disorder begins, it’s a lifelong condition that needs ongoing care from Scott Lane, FNP-C, Sean Leonard, PMHNP-BC, and the team at NuGen Wellness Center. They manage your mood-stabilizing medications and provide therapy, giving you information and skills that help you thrive in everyday life. To schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment, call the office in Boise, Idaho, or use the online booking feature today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes swings in your energy levels and mood. The severity and frequency of your mood swings depend on the type of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder was originally called manic depressive disorder because of its episodes of full-blown mania and major depression. Manic episodes last at least one week and lead to severe symptoms that often need hospitalization. Most people have a neutral period between their mood swings.

Bipolar II disorder

This type of bipolar disorder causes swings between hypomania and major depression. Hypomania, a milder version of full-blown mania, seldom disrupts your ability to meet your daily responsibilities.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is defined by frequent mood swings that persist for at least two years in adults and one year in children. You have many mood swings, but your symptoms are less severe than hypomania or major depression.

What symptoms occur due to bipolar disorder? 

When you have a manic episode, you may:

• Be constantly on the go
• Need little or no sleep
• Feel extremely energized (despite lacking sleep)
• Have uncontrollable, racing thoughts
• Talk rapidly and often switch topics
• Engage in risky behaviors (going on a spending spree or driving while drinking)

You may also have delusions and/or hallucinations during a manic episode.

During episodes of major depression, you may:

• Feel sad, hopeless, and worthless
• Have no interest in the activities you enjoy
• Isolate yourself from friends and family
• Eat too much or too little
• Struggle to make decisions
• Feel anxious or restless
• Think about suicide

You can also experience mania and depression at the same time.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

During your initial consultation, your therapist does a psychiatric evaluation and recommends a treatment plan. Though your treatment is individualized, all bipolar patients need mood-stabilizing medication to prevent future mood swings.

It also helps to combine therapy with medication. Therapy teaches coping skills and provides support for the life challenges associated with bipolar disorder. For example, you may need help restoring sleep habits or learning better socialization or communication skills.

Through therapy, many people learn to recognize signs of an approaching mood swing — then, they can take steps to prevent it from happening.

If you want to schedule a consultation to explore your mood swings or need ongoing care for bipolar disorder, call NuGen Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.