
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