Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder typically begins in young adults and lasts a lifetime, making it crucial to recognize the signs and seek early treatment. At Davie Psychiatry, LLC, Adara Abdalah, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, specializes in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder, providing the psychiatric care you need to stabilize your mood swings and put them into remission. Call the office in Davie, Florida, today or connect online to request an appointment and start bipolar disorder treatment

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes swings between high-energy mania and low-energy depression. The severity of your symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on the type of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I disorder

This type is diagnosed after you have at least one episode of mania. Full-blown mania causes severe symptoms that may require hospitalization to help you restore balance. Most people have episodes of major depression, with a period of neutral mood between the swings.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder is defined by mood swings between hypomania and major depression. Hypomania is less severe than full-blown mania but causes the same symptoms.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder causes frequent swings between mild hypomania and depression for at least two years. Though your symptoms are mild, they may disrupt your life because of their frequency.

What bipolar disorder symptoms will I have?

You may experience any of the following during episodes of mania and hypomania:

• Talking rapidly or excessively
• Having nonstop energy
• Needing little to no sleep
• Experiencing racing thoughts
• Feeling self-important
• Having delusions and hallucinations (only during full-blown manic episodes)
• Participating in risky behaviors (overspending, driving while drinking, etc.)

During episodes of depression, you have symptoms such as:

• Feeling sad, worthless, and hopeless
• Losing interest in your favorite activities
• Gaining or losing weight (and eating more or less than usual)
• Sleeping too much or having insomnia
• Feeling restless and irritable
• Having little to no energy
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Thinking about suicide

You may also experience body aches, headaches, and other general body symptoms.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

If you have bipolar disorder, taking medications that stabilize your mood swings is crucial. Taking your medications regularly may also put your mood swings into remission.

You may be a good candidate for long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications. The long-acting form makes getting the steady dose you need easier because one injection lasts several weeks to six months, depending on the medicine.

Adara may also recommend therapy. During therapy, you can learn skills for managing emotional and behavioral problems caused by bipolar disorder. For example, therapy can help you overcome issues like insomnia and difficulty maintaining relationships.

Don’t wait to connect with Davie Psychiatry, LLC, to get help for bipolar disorder. Call the office today or use online booking to schedule your appointment.