What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes severe mood swings, including extreme highs (mania) and extreme lows (depression). These mood changes can interfere with your ability to meet your responsibilities and care for yourself.

There are three types of bipolar disorder that SFP providers diagnose and treat:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I causes manic episodes that last most of the day for at least seven days, followed by depressive episodes that last for two weeks or longer.

People with bipolar I disorder may have severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention or hospitalization.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II causes depressive episodes followed by hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymia causes recurrent hypomanic and depressive episodes that aren’t as severe as bipolar I or II disorders.

When should I seek treatment for bipolar disorder?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at South Florida Psychiatry if you or your child has symptoms of bipolar disorder such as:

• Extreme mood swings
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Intense energy levels
• Racing or intrusive thoughts
• Difficulties making a decision

We provide bipolar disorder assessments in-office and through telehealth. He may also request blood work or other diagnostic tests to rule out underlying medical conditions affecting your moods.

Based on the results of your evaluation, SFP providers create a treatment plan to ease your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing medical care. South Florida Psychiatry provides customized treatment plans for bipolar disorder, including therapy and medications.

SFP providers use advanced therapy techniques to help you identify negative thoughts and behaviors, so you can manage them more efficiently. Your therapy plan may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive processing (CP)
• Behavior modification
• Psychoanalytic therapy
• Interpersonal therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Positive psychology
• Humanistic therapy
• Brief dynamic therapy
• Trauma-focused therapy
• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)

There are also prescription medications available to stabilize your moods, sharpen your concentration, and improve your quality of sleep.

SFP providers can also recommend lifestyle and diet changes to support your bipolar disorder treatments. He monitors your treatment progress through in-office visits and telehealth appointments.

Call South Florida Psychiatry to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of bipolar disorder, or book an appointment online today.