BIPOLAR Q & A
Do I have bipolar disorder if my mood regularly fluctuates?
Everyone’s mood changes from hour to hour and day to day; it’s a normal part of the human condition. But seeking treatment is essential if you experience extreme highs followed by intense lows that make you lose interest in routine activities.
Bipolar disorder affects everyone differently. For some people, mood swings are rare; for others, they occur every few weeks or months. There’s no cure, but a personalized treatment approach can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder symptoms fall into two categories mania/hypomania and major depression. Telltale signs include:
- Feeling abnormally upbeat, jumpy, or wired
- Decreased need for sleep
- Distractibility
- Racing thoughts
- Poor decision making
- Feeling very depressed
- Loss of interest and/or pleasure
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thinking about or attempting suicide
- Because bipolar disorder presents a wide variety of symptoms, pinpointing the underlying cause is critical to successful treatment.
When should I see a medical provider about bipolar disorder?
Make an appointment at Diligence Care Plus if you routinely experience periods of mania or depression. Since bipolar disorder doesn’t improve on its own, you must take action. The condition can increase your risk of financial, legal, and relationship troubles without treatment.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
Your Diligence Care Plus provider asks about your symptoms and completes a physical exam and a psychiatric assessment. They have you complete a comprehensive questionnaire and compare your responses to the criteria for bipolar disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The DSM-5 is considered the gold standard in psychiatric diagnosis. If your provider confirms that you have bipolar disorder, they develop a personalized treatment plan.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
At Diligence Care Plus, your provider treats bipolar disorder with a conservative, integrative approach. They might suggest:
- Prescription mood stabilizers to help regulate your moods
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Psychoeducation to teach you about bipolar disorder
Often, a combination of treatments improves your outlook and provides lasting relief. If your symptoms continue or worsen, your provider refers you to a bipolar specialist nearby.
Call Diligence Care Plus today to schedule treatment for bipolar disorder, or book your appointment online.
