Bipolar

Bipolar Disorder

(formerly manic depression) 

Severe mood swings are devastating.
We can help. 

What is Bipolar Disorder? 

Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme mood swings from emotional lows (depression) to highs (mania or hypomania). A person may feel depressed for a period of time and then shift to feeling euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable for several days or longer. These mood swings can affect judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly. Episodes may occur rarely or multiple times a year. 

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder 

• Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired 
• Increased irritability or explosive anger 
• Increased activity, energy or agitation (pacing, restlessness) 
• Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (feeling unusually important, talented or powerful) 
• Decreased need for sleep 
• Increased distractibility 
• Talking fast and about many different things, difficult to understand 
• Racing thoughts 
• Engaging in high-risk activities that show poor judgment, such as spending lots of money or taking sexual risks 

What Causes Bipolar Disorder? 

Factors such as biological differences and genetics are linked to bipolar disorder. People with this disorder appear to have physical changes in their brains and they are more likely to have a first-degree relative (a sibling or parent) with the disorder. Other factors that may increase a person’s risk for developing the disorder are periods of high stress and substance abuse. 

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder 

While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, treatment is often successful for improving symptoms and functioning. Bipolar therapy may include:

• Medication – a variety of medications are available to treat bipolar disorder, including mood stabilizers, antidepressants and antipsychotics. 
   Individual Therapy – psychotherapy can help people develop strategies to manage stress and reduce symptoms. 
• Family Therapy – family support and communication help people stick to treatment plans and manage symptoms.
• TMS – Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of bipolar disorder. 

Why Seek Help for Bipolar Disorder? 

Untreated bipolar disorder can lead to serious problems that affect all areas of life, including: 

• Damaged relationships 
• Poor work or school performance 
• Substance abuse 
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors 
• Legal or financial problems