Bipolar Disorder

Almost 3% of adults in the United States have bipolar disorder, a condition that can negatively affect mood and behavior. At Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas, experienced mental health specialists diagnose and treat bipolar disorder to help you feel more like yourself. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by extreme mood swings. You might feel depressed one minute and overjoyed the next. Shifts in your mood might last for several hours, days, or even weeks and negatively impact your ability to effectively complete daily tasks. See the Alamo Premier Mental Health experts if you suspect you or a loved one has bipolar disorder or have a diagnosis and require superior care. 

Which symptoms can bipolar disorder cause?

Bipolar disorder can cause the following symptoms:

• Feeling extremely tired or very energized
• Depression cycled with euphoria or excitability
• Lack of motivation
• Irritability
• Insomnia or other sleep disorders
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in body weight or appetite
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• Thoughts of suicide
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Impulsive decision-making
• Reckless behaviors
• Restlessness 
• Racing thoughts

Bipolar disorder might negatively affect your relationships, grades at school, or performance at work when left untreated. 

What are the main types of bipolar disorder?

The three main types of bipolar disorder are:

Bipolar I disorder

Individuals with bipolar I disorder have one or more episodes of euphoria, also called mania. Most also experience depression. 

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder is characterized by depression cycled with hypomanic episodes (a less severe form of mania).

Cyclothymic disorder

If you experience cyclothymic disorder, your mood is often unstable. This condition is described as having mild depression and hypomania for at least two years.

What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?

The cause isn’t clear, but risk factors for bipolar disorder include:

• Brain changes
• Family history of bipolar disorder 
• Trauma
• Stress

The condition affects nearly six million adults in the United States. Its symptoms might be triggered by the loss of a loved one, divorce, financial problems, a serious illness, or other stressful life events.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

The experts at Alamo Premier Mental Health complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria and pharmacogenetic testing (DNA-based testing) to determine which mental health condition you may have and how to best treat it. 

People with bipolar disorder may also have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, substance use disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder treatment plans may include:

• Healthy lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, sleep, no smoking or alcohol, etc.)
• Medication management
• Stress reduction (yoga, meditation, tai chi, acupuncture, massage, etc.)
• Psychoeducation
• Family-focused therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Other forms of talk therapy (psychotherapy)

Follow up with your provider routinely to optimize mental health outcomes. 

Book an in-person or telehealth bipolar disorder evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or scheduling an appointment online today.