Bipolar Disorder

An estimated seven million men and women in the United States experience bipolar disorder. This devastating mental health condition causes mood swings that interfere with your ability to function and could have dangerous consequences. The mental health specialists at Holistic Behavioral Health Multi Services in Woburn, Massachusetts, and Bedford, New Hampshire, have extensive experience diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. You don’t have to suffer through the depression and mania of bipolar disorder. For outstanding care in a safe, comfortable environment, schedule a consultation with a team member today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that involves extreme shifts between emotional highs and lows. When you experience a prolonged emotional high, it’s a state known as mania or hypomania. When you experience emotional lows, you may have depression.

Most people experience a spectrum of emotions, and it’s normal to spend periods feeling positive and excited or feeling down and discouraged. But when these emotions overwhelm you, and you can’t control your feelings, it can interfere with your daily life and personal relationships. 

A serious condition, the mania associated with bipolar disorder, can cause a break from reality, also known as a psychotic episode. And bipolar disorder can endanger your health and lead to risky behavior and thoughts of suicide. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Mania and hypomania have similar symptoms, but hypomania has less severe symptoms. Common symptoms of mania and hypomania include:

• Increased energy and activity
• Agitation
• Euphoria
• Excessive talking
• Easily distracted
• Racing thoughts
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Decreased need for sleep
• Risk-taking behavior

Depressive symptoms include:

• Overwhelming feelings of sorrow or hopelessness
• Lack of motivation
• Fatigue
• Slowed behavior
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Suicidal thoughts

Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary significantly between patients, and many symptoms overlap with other mental health disorders, making the condition challenging to diagnose. The experienced providers at Holistic Behavioral Health Multi Services have the training and expertise to diagnose bipolar disorder accurately and provide appropriate treatment.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Most patients with bipolar require pharmacological treatment. The team at Holistic Behavioral Health Multi Services partners with you to determine which medications and dosage work best for your individual needs. Medications can stabilize your mood and address symptoms of depression, anxiety, or psychosis.

Your provider designs a personalized care plan to control your bipolar disorder, and this may include counseling in addition to medication. If you’ve received treatment for depression in the past, your provider may recommend alternative modalities.

If you or your loved one has symptoms of bipolar disorder, schedule an evaluation at Holistic Behavioral Health Multi Services. Call the office or book an appointment online today.