Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, ranging from emotional highs to deep lows. The highs are known as manic or hypomanic episodes, while the lows are depressive episodes.

These mood, behavior and energy shifts are unpredictable and can significantly affect daily life.

During manic episodes, a person may feel euphoric, highly energized or unusually irritable, often leading to impulsivity. Depressive episodes, by contrast, bring sadness, fatigue and feelings of hopelessness, all of which make it hard to function.

Without proper treatment, bipolar cycles can become more frequent and severe, disrupting your personal and professional life.

Untreated bipolar disorder can also lead to complications like substance use, strained relationships and a higher risk of self-harm.

At Invigorate Behavioral Health Counseling Center, we provide evidence-based and compassionate care for bipolar disorder.

An Overview of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complicated psychiatric condition manifesting in different forms.

There are several types of the disorder, each of which is characterized by distinct patterns of mood swings and intensity, including:

• Bipolar I Disorder: This is defined by the presence of at least one full manic episode, which depressive episodes may follow. Manic episodes in bipolar I can be severe enough to require hospitalization or significantly impair daily functioning.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Unlike bipolar I, people with bipolar II experience hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full manic episodes, along with major depressive episodes. Typically, hypomanic episodes don’t require hospitalization but can still be disruptive to daily life.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Also known as cyclothymia, this is a milder form of bipolar disorder where a person may experience chronic mood swings between hypomania and mild depression. The mood swings aren’t as severe but can persist for at least two years.

Causes of bipolar disorder can include:

• Biological factors: Brain chemistry and structure can be part of bipolar disorder. Neurotransmitter imbalances and differences in brain structure and function can all be linked to problems with mood regulation.
• Genetic factors: Bipolar disorder frequently runs in families, although environmental factors play a role too.
• Environmental factors: Stressful life events can potentially trigger or worsen bipolar symptoms. Environmental factors alone don’t cause bipolar disorder but can influence severity and onset.

The mental and physical effects bipolar can have include:

• It can be difficult to keep a sense of emotional stability. Someone with bipolar disorder may have poor judgment and engage in impulsive behaviors during manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. They could feel hopeless or worthless and may experience a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Emotional fluctuations cause distress in personal relationships, work and other areas of life.
• Physical health is affected. During a manic episode, an individual may engage in activities like reckless driving or substance abuse. During depressive episodes, it can be hard to take care of physical health.
• The chronic stress of bipolar disorder can contribute to long-term health complications like weakened immune function or heart disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The signs and symptoms depend on whether someone is experiencing a manic, hypomanic or depressive episode.

During manic or hypomanic episodes, a person may feel euphoric, overly optimistic or excessively confident. They could be irritable, impulsive or aggressive as well.

During depressive episodes, a person may lose interest in activities and struggle with guilt, emotional numbness and a sense of disconnection from others.

Rapid, unpredictable mood shifts occur, and the swings can last days or even within the same day.

Physical symptoms often mirror the emotional highs and lows of the condition:

• Changes in energy levels: During manic episodes, a person may feel a surge of energy and a decreased need for sleep. They may feel energized despite sleeping only a few hours or not at all. During depressive episodes, a person will experience fatigue and low energy levels, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
• Sleep disturbances: During a manic phase, insomnia or feelings of restlessness may occur, and during depressive episodes, a person could struggle with excessive sleep or difficulty falling asleep.
• Physical agitation or slowness: During mania or hypomanic phases, a person may feel agitated or restless. Depressive episodes, by contrast, can lead to physical slowness where movement feels effortful and sluggish.

Cognitive symptoms someone with bipolar disorder could experience include:

• Racing thoughts: During manic or hypomanic episodes, a person may have rapid, racing thoughts jumping from one idea to another, making it hard to focus or complete tasks because the mind feels overloaded.
• Difficulty concentrating: Concentration and focus can suffer in both manic and depressive episodes. During mania, a person may struggle to stay on task because of the flood of ideas and energy. In contrast, during depressive phases, lacking motivation and energy can make it challenging to focus on even basic tasks.
• Impulsivity or poor judgment: Manic episodes lead to impulsive decision-making, such as spending sprees or taking unnecessary risks, which usually leads to regret or embarrassment when mood levels stabilize.

Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder

Treating bipolar disorder requires an individualized, comprehensive and integrated approach, as the condition affects mood and behavior in complex ways.

At Invigorate Behavioral Health Counseling Center, we use a combination of evidence-based therapies and also medication management to help individuals stabilize their mood, improve their quality of life and achieve long-term well-being.

Our treatment program focuses on addressing the emotional, cognitive and behavioral challenges associated with bipolar disorder. Some of the key therapeutic approaches include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify negative thinking and behaviors to change them, especially as they relate to mood swings. By learning coping strategies, it becomes possible to better manage both the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, reducing the risk of relapse.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is especially helpful in managing the emotional intensity of bipolar disorder. The treatment teaches emotional regulation and skills related to distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness, helping individuals maintain stability in their relationships and daily lives.
• Mood stabilization techniques: Therapy can include tools to help with recognizing the early warning signs of mood shifts to prevent full-blown manic or depressive episodes proactively.

Medications are often critical in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Prescribed medicines can include:

• Mood stabilizers like lithium or valproate can help prevent extreme mood swings.
• If mood stabilizers alone aren’t effective, antipsychotics may be prescribed.
• Antidepressants can help manage the depressive phases of bipolar disorder.

Along with traditional treatments, holistic therapies like stress management and mindfulness practices can help individuals maintain balance in their daily lives, supporting overall mental and physical health.

Living with bipolar disorder doesn’t have to mean constant chaos. At Invigorate Behavioral Health Counseling Center, we can help you regain control and stability, so contact us today to start your journey toward lasting wellness.