Bipolar Disorder

If constant mood swings are part of your life, bipolar disorder might be the reason. At Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, in Parkville and Catonsville, Maryland, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing Catherine Nwah, PMHNP-BC, DNP, and the team offer treatments for bipolar disorder to minimize mood fluctuations and help you gain peace of mind. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by phone or request one online today. 

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes your mood to cycle between extreme sadness (depression) and joy (mania). 

This condition and the mood swings associated with it can negatively affect your career, personal relationships, and overall quality of life when not addressed. See the Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, team for an evaluation at the first sign of a concern.

What are the different types of bipolar disorder?

The three main types of bipolar disorder include:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder is described as having at least one manic experience cycled with hypomanic or major depressive experiences.

Bipolar II disorder

If you have bipolar II disorder, you’ve had at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode. However, you’ve never had a manic experience. 

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a condition in which you’ve experienced at least two years (one year in kids) of hypomanic and depressive symptoms.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder can cause the following symptoms:

• Feeling upbeat, wired, or jumpy cycled with fatigue
• Continuous mood swings
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling extreme happiness cycled with depression
• Agitation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Distractibility
• Impulsive decision-making 
• Loss of interest in favorite things
• Thoughts of suicide 
• Restlessness 

Bipolar disorder can cause problems at work, in school, during social activities, or in interpersonal relationships. 

What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?

The cause of bipolar disorder isn’t clear, but your risk of developing it may increase because of brain changes, a family history of bipolar disorder, periods of high stress, or alcohol or drug misuse. Minimizing stress and seeking treatment as soon as symptoms appear may reduce your chance of mental health complications. 

Some people with bipolar disorder also have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an anxiety disorder, eating disorder, or physical health problems.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, experts diagnose bipolar disorder by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Your provider asks questions about your medical history, moods, emotions, behaviors, thoughts, medications, and more to establish whether or not you have a mood disorder. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, team treats bipolar disorder with lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and medication management. You can speak with a therapist weekly or as needed to complete cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), or other therapies. You meet with them in the office or virtually from your home.

Doing so helps you properly manage troublesome symptoms and live your best life. Your mental health specialist also monitors your medications to ensure they’re working effectively. 

It’s also important to eat nutritious foods, minimize stress, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly to maximize your mental health and well-being.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth bipolar evaluation at Amazing Behavioral Health Services, LLC, by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.