Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder may begin at any age but typically appears in young adults, presenting them with a lifelong challenge that requires consistent treatment. At Mental Health and Wellness Associates, based in Santa Monica, California, the professional team provides personalized attention and delivers the customized care needed to maintain a balanced mood. If you have questions about your symptoms or need bipolar disorder treatment, call the office or book online today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a brain condition that affects your mood and energy levels. Though it’s best known for causing extreme mood swings, the severity and frequency of your moods will vary depending on the type of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder causes episodes of major depression and high-energy mania. Your manic episodes usually require hospitalization to restore a stable mood.

Bipolar II disorder

This type causes swings between major depression and hypomania. Hypomania causes less severe symptoms compared to full-blown mania and seldom interferes with meeting daily responsibilities.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder causes frequent mood swings that continue for at least two years. Your symptoms are milder than major depression and hypomania.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

The symptoms of mania include:

• Having excessive energy
• Needling very little sleep
• Talking rapidly
• Experiencing racing thoughts
• Having an inflated sense of self-importance
• Engaging in risky behaviors (like driving drunk or overspending)

People with bipolar I disorder may experience delusions and hallucinations during a manic episode.

The symptoms of major depression include:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, and worthless
• Losing interest in your favorite activities
• Withdrawing from your partner, family, and friends
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Eating more or less than usual
• Having a hard time concentrating
• Struggling to make decisions
• Thinking about or attempting suicide

Depression may also cause physical symptoms, including nausea, headaches, and muscle aches.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Your treatment is always customized to meet your mental health needs. However, bipolar disorder is an especially challenging condition that requires:

Medication

Medication is essential for managing bipolar disorder. Maintaining stable moods and managing the condition requires mood-stabilizing medications that prevent manic-depressive swings.

Therapy

While medication builds the foundation of your care, it’s not the only treatment. Therapy is also essential as it teaches you ways to manage the disorder and build a thriving life.

For example, your therapist can help you identify warning signs of an impending mood swing and teach you how to prevent it. Therapy gives you new perspectives and coping skills, supporting your ability to overcome bipolar’s impact on your life.

Lifestyle support

Your provider offers holistic care that improves all aspects of your emotional, mental, and physical health, from dealing with sleep problems to boosting your nutritional well-being.

Call Mental Health and Wellness Associates or book an appointment online today to receive holistic treatment for bipolar disorder.