Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can involve major mood swings, but mood swings and symptoms may be less noticeable than you expect. At Active Healing Psychiatric Services in Gilbert, Arizona, Michaela Beaver, DNP, specializes in compassionate and comprehensive bipolar disorder treatment. She evaluates your symptoms and combines evidence-based therapies to personalize your treatment. Call Active Healing Psychiatric Services today or click the online booking button to learn more about bipolar disorder treatment options. 

What are common signs of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition involving emotional highs (mania or manic symptoms) and emotional lows (depression or depressive symptoms). While a variety of emotions is typical for everyone, bipolar disorder can cause intense emotional highs and lows at times.

Mania

Mania can involve impulsive decision-making, racing thoughts, and seemingly limitless energy. As an episode of mania sets in, you may notice yourself being more talkative, sleeping less, and even feeling a heightened sense of self-confidence. 

Hypomania is the less extreme version of mania with milder symptoms. If you have hypomania, you may experience fewer work, school, or social problems related to manic episodes. 

Depression

Depression in bipolar disorder is similar to major depressive disorder. During a depressive episode, you may feel hopeless and have less interest in activities you typically enjoy. You may also have less energy than usual and difficulty concentrating. 

Mood swings

If you have bipolar disorder, you may experience major swings from depression to mania and vice versa. These swings can affect your relationships and your everyday productivity. 

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Occasional mood swings can have causes other than bipolar disorder. To evaluate you for bipolar disorder, Dr. Beaver gives you a mental health assessment to look at your behavioral patterns, thoughts, and feelings. She also reviews your symptoms

Dr. Beaver may recommend that you track your moods, sleep patterns, and behaviors in a chart or journal to give her a more objective overview of what you’ve been experiencing. 

How can I manage bipolar disorder symptoms?

Managing your bipolar disorder can help reduce symptoms and the intensity of your mood swings, which can lead to an improved quality of life. Your individualized bipolar disorder treatment plan might involve:

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy can help you build coping strategies for bipolar disorder symptoms and complications. You can develop a better understanding of your condition and possible triggers for episodes. 

Medication management

Dr. Beaver might prescribe medications to stabilize your mood. She may also prescribe antipsychotics to prevent psychosis during manic episodes. 

Holistic strategies

In addition to traditional psychiatric care, Dr. Beaver might recommend changes to your routine or eating patterns that support improvements in your mental and physical health. 

Call Active Healing Psychiatric Services or request an appointment online for comprehensive bipolar disorder care.