Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts can range from periods of intense euphoria and high energy (mania or hypomania) to episodes of deep depression. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we help patients throughout Metro Atlanta and Gwinnett County understand and manage bipolar disorder with comprehensive, personalized treatment plans.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Unlike normal mood fluctuations that everyone experiences, bipolar mood swings are more severe and can significantly interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder in a given year. The condition typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, though symptoms can appear in childhood or later in life.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are several types of bipolar disorder, each with distinct characteristics:
Bipolar I Disorder
Characterized by manic episodes lasting at least 7 days or manic symptoms so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. Depressive episodes typically occur as well, usually lasting at least 2 weeks. Mixed episodes with both manic and depressive features are also possible.
Bipolar II Disorder
Defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than full manic episodes). Bipolar II is not a milder form of Bipolar I—the depressive episodes are often more frequent and severe, causing significant impairment.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar Disorders
Symptoms don't match the three categories listed above but still involve abnormal mood elevation.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Manic Episode Symptoms
During a manic episode, a person might experience:
- Feeling extremely "up," elated, or irritable
- Increased activity, energy, or restlessness
- Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
- Racing thoughts and rapid speech
- Being easily distracted
- Increased goal-directed activity or physical agitation
- Engaging in risky behaviors (excessive spending, reckless driving, impulsive decisions)
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
Hypomanic Episode Symptoms
Hypomania includes similar symptoms to mania but is less severe and doesn't cause the significant impairment that mania does. Hypomanic episodes don't include psychotic features and don't require hospitalization.
Depressive Episode Symptoms
During a depressive episode, symptoms may include:
- Feeling very sad, empty, or hopeless
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Sleeping too much or inability to sleep
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn't fully understood, but research suggests several contributing factors:
Genetics
Bipolar disorder tends to run in families. If you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, you're at higher risk of developing it. However, most people with a family history of bipolar disorder will not develop the condition.
Brain Structure and Function
Some studies show that the brains of people with bipolar disorder may differ from the brains of healthy people or people with other mental health disorders. These differences may involve brain structure, function, or brain chemistry.
Environmental Factors
Stressful life events, substance abuse, and significant life changes can trigger the onset of bipolar symptoms in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. At Next Step Psychiatry, Dr. Aneel Ursani and our clinical team use comprehensive psychiatric evaluations that include:
- Detailed medical and psychiatric history
- Discussion of symptoms, including their severity and duration
- Family history of mental health conditions
- Physical examination and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions
- Mood charting and symptom tracking
Accurate diagnosis can take time because bipolar symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, or borderline personality disorder.
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder
While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is highly treatable. Most people with bipolar disorder can achieve substantial stabilization of their mood swings and related symptoms with proper treatment.
Medication Management
Medications are a cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment:
- Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproic acid, lamotrigine) help control manic and hypomanic episodes
- Antipsychotics (quetiapine, olanzapine, aripiprazole) can help manage manic or mixed episodes
- Antidepressants may be prescribed for depressive episodes, usually in combination with a mood stabilizer
- Anti-anxiety medications can help with anxiety and improve sleep
Finding the right medication or combination of medications often takes time and requires ongoing monitoring by a qualified psychiatrist.
Psychotherapy
Several types of therapy can be helpful for people with bipolar disorder:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhealthy thought patterns and develop coping strategies
- Family-focused therapy involves family members and improves communication and problem-solving
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy focuses on stabilizing daily rhythms like sleep, wake times, and mealtimes
- Psychoeducation helps patients and families understand bipolar disorder and its treatment
Lifestyle Management
Self-care strategies play an important role in managing bipolar disorder:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs
- Regular exercise
- Stress management techniques
- Building a strong support network
- Tracking mood changes and recognizing early warning signs
Living Well with Bipolar Disorder
With proper treatment and self-management strategies, many people with bipolar disorder lead fulfilling, productive lives. Key factors for successful long-term management include:
- Staying on medication even when feeling well
- Regular appointments with your psychiatrist
- Learning to recognize early warning signs of mood episodes
- Developing a crisis plan with your treatment team
- Educating family and friends about the condition
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol
- Maintaining healthy sleep habits
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, it's important to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the impact on your life.
Seek immediate help if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. Call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Get Expert Care for Bipolar Disorder
Next Step Psychiatry offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for bipolar disorder. Dr. Aneel Ursani and our experienced team provide personalized care to help you achieve mood stability and improve your quality of life.
We serve patients throughout Metro Atlanta, Gwinnett County, and surrounding areas with both in-person and telehealth appointments available.
Schedule a consultation or call: 678-437-1659
4145 Lawrenceville Hwy STE 100, Lilburn, GA 30047
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder is a serious but treatable mental health condition. Understanding the symptoms, getting an accurate diagnosis, and following a comprehensive treatment plan can help you manage the condition effectively. If you're experiencing mood swings that interfere with your daily life, don't wait to seek help.
At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we're committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Our team understands the challenges of living with bipolar disorder and works closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment approach.
Take the next step toward better mental health. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), or go to the nearest emergency room.