BIPOLAR DISORDER

 

Bipolar Disorder is a Mood Disorder which involves severe fluctuations in mood. This condition characteristically involves cycles of depression and Mania (elation) or Hypo-Mania.  The depressive episode usually lasts longer than the manic or hypo-manic episodes.  

 

There are different features of Bipolar Disorder. A licensed therapist will assess your symptoms and talk with you to ascertain an accurate diagnosis.  Together, you and your therapist will develop a working treatment plan to address your identified problem and needs.

 

Bipolar Depressive Symptoms Include:

 

• Depressed mood most of the day; feeling sad or empty, tearful

• Significant loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable

• Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain; decrease or increase in appetite

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Agitation; or slowing down of thoughts and reduction of physical movements

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

• Poor concentration or having difficulty making decisions

• Thinking about death or suicide

 

OR

 

Bipolar Hypo-Manic Symptoms Include:

 

• Racing thoughts

• Inability to focus

• Hyper-vigilance

• Hyper-verbal (excessive need to talk)

• Hyper-sexual desires

• Risk-taking behaviors (i.e. skydiving, speeding, stealing, substance abuse)

• Insomnia

• Excessive spending and/or substance abuse

• Feeling of exhilaration/elation/feeling invincible

 

OR

 

Bipolar Manic Symptoms Include:

 

• Paranoia/delusions

• Hallucinations/delusions of grandeur

• Severe Agitation/aggression

• Rage

• Impulsivity