Symptoms of bipolar disease can be troubling, bewildering, and even terrifying, particularly if they go undiagnosed or untreated. At SNBCare, we dedicate ourselves to assisting patients in recognizing early signs, getting precise diagnosis, and obtaining tailored care to treat their mental health.
Bipolar disease, or bipolar disorder, is a chronic mood and thinking illness marked by extreme changes in mood, energy, activity levels, and the capacity to function. Recognition of its symptoms is the initial step toward effective treatment and long-term stability.
What Is Bipolar Disease?
Bipolar illness is a mood disorder that involves periods of both mania (or hypomania) and depression. The episodes differ in severity and duration based on the subtype (Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or Cyclothymic Disorder). The symptoms of bipolar disease have the potential to severely impact personal relationships, school or work functioning, and activities of daily living.
Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disease
The symptoms are separated into manic/hypomanic and depressive types. People may alternate between extremes or have mixed episodes in which features of both occur at the same time.
Manic or Hypomanic Symptoms:
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Reduced need for sleep
- Increased talkativeness or flight of ideas
- Distractibility and impulsivity
- Excessive participation in dangerous activities (spending sprees, unsafe sex, drug use)
- Hypomania is less severe than full mania but nevertheless is a definite change in mood and functioning.
Depressive Symptoms:
- Recurring sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable
- Fatigue or slowness of movements
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide or feelings of worthlessness
These symptoms of bipolar disease can be confused with other mental illnesses such as clinical depression or ADHD, and therefore proper diagnosis must be done.
Getting Diagnosed at SNBCare
At SNBCare, our staff conducts comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and adult ADHD assessments for adults to differentiate bipolar disorder from other conditions. Diagnosis involves:
- Clinical interviews
- Monitoring symptoms over time
- Obtaining history of mental illness in the family
- Asking about co-occurring disorders such as PTSD or anxiety
Some experience treatment-resistant depression, not knowing that their true condition is actually a type of bipolar disorder. In these situations, conventional depression medication can prove ineffective—or even exacerbate manic symptoms, so accurate evaluation is essential.
Managing Bipolar Symptoms with a Personalized Plan
We recognize that everyone is different. Treatment at SNBCare can include a combination of:
- Mood stabilizers and medication for depression customized to your individual needs
- Individual therapy sessions to develop emotional control skills and establish structure
- Telehealth for anxiety and depression for convenient access to care at home
We also offer regular psychiatry appointments and medication management to watch for side effects and efficacy.
How SNBCare Makes a Difference
Our clinic is unique among behavioral health providers because we emphasize long-term relationships and full-spectrum care. If you’re in need of a psychiatrist near me depression or assistance managing bipolar disorder, we make it convenient to get help through:
- Telehealth mental health care
- Weekend and evening appointment times
- A multidisciplinary staff with therapists, nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists
We also provide support for family education, educating loved ones on how to identify and respond to early warning signs of an impending episode.
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you know is having:
- Extreme mood highs and lows
- Sleep disturbances or trouble working or going to school
- Unexplained irritability or agitation
- Suicidal or self-destructive thoughts
…don’t wait. These may be signs of bipolar disease. Early treatment is best and keeps life on track.
You don’t have to do it alone. SNBCare is with you every step of the way, providing evidence-based care in a caring setting.
Conclusion
Identifying the symptoms of bipolar disease is essential for timely intervention and treatment. If you’ve observed symptoms of mood changes, impulsivity, or prolonged depression, SNBCare is here to assist. Through psychiatric evaluation, individualized therapy, and cutting-edge tools such as telehealth mental health services, we offer end-to-end support for your mental wellness journey.
Call today at 781-666-2711 to make an appointment with a psychiatrist or find out more about our services. Bipolar illness is controllable, with the proper team in your corner.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.