Bipolar Disorder

In the United States, about 5 million adults experience extreme mood shifts from bipolar disorder. At Texas Advance Behavioral Health, the team of providers evaluate and treat bipolar disorder in adolescents and adults in Arlington, Texas. If you or a loved one has bipolar disorder, call or request an appointment online today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Formerly known as manic-depressive illness or simply manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes dramatic shifts in your mood, energy, and capacity to think clearly. This condition causes periods of high and low moods called manic and depressive episodes, respectively. 

What are the types of bipolar disorder?

The four types of bipolar disorder are:

Bipolar I disorder

People with bipolar I have experienced at least one manic episode that lasted at least seven days or was severe enough to require hospitalization. They may also experience depression, but a depressive episode isn’t necessary for a bipolar I diagnosis. 

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II involves shifts between depressive and hypomanic episodes without a full-blown manic episode. Hypomania and mania cause similar symptoms but are two distinct states. Mania is more severe and may cause a break from reality (psychosis). 

Cyclothymic disorder

Also known as cyclothymia, this condition causes repeated episodes of high-energy (hypomanic) and low-energy (depressive) symptoms that continue for at least two years in adults, or one year in children and teens.

Other specified and unspecified types

This includes clinically significant mood disorders that don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for any other type of bipolar disorder. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary depending on severity, type, and the individual. In general, symptoms of mania and hypomania may include:

• Racing thoughts
• Increased energy and activity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unusual talkativeness
• An exaggerated sense of self-confidence
• Risky decision-making, like spending lots of money or acting promiscuously

Symptoms of depression include:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or pessimistic
• Decreased energy and activity levels
• Loss of pleasure in enjoyable activities
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Thinking about or planning suicide

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, go to the nearest emergency room or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 right away.

How do you manage bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder can seriously disrupt the lives of those who suffer from it, as well as their families, but the Texas Advance Behavioral Health team can help. Your provider will carefully evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment approach to manage your specific type of bipolar disorder. 

Most individuals with bipolar disorder benefit from a combination of psychotherapy and medication management. However, every patient is unique, and Texas Advance Behavioral Health tailors treatment to your specific needs on a case-by-case basis.

Call Texas Advance Behavioral Health or request an appointment online today to learn how you can live a happy, productive life with bipolar disorder.