Bipolar Disorder

If you struggle with the extreme swings in mood or behavior that accompany bipolar disorder, help is close at hand at Cornerstone Psychiatry located in Lindon, Utah. Rebecca Harvey, DNP, offers support in the form of psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle guidance. For more information on treatments for bipolar disorder, call the office today or reach out online to learn more.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes distinct shifts in your mood, energy levels, and ability to function. Everyone experiences strong emotions and mood shifts from time to time, but for those with bipolar disorder, these can come with emotional and behavioral extremes. 

The good news is that the condition responds to treatment, and you can find support to lead the full and rewarding life you want.

What symptoms of bipolar disorder should I watch for?

Extreme shifts in your behavior, energy, mood, and ability to concentrate may last only a few hours or could continue for months on end. Your diagnosis hinges on the symptoms you experience and their severity.

Your shifts may be depressive, causing sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety. Or they may be manic, causing elation, irritability, or increased energy. A hypomanic shift causes less extreme manic symptoms.

If you have a manic episode lasting over a week or requiring hospitalization, your provider may diagnose you with bipolar I. This can also include depressive episodes. Bipolar II encapsulates depressive and hypomanic episodes.

If you have a chronically unstable mood or recurring depressive and hypomanic symptoms, you may have cyclothymic disorder. 

Depressive episodes come with symptoms like:

• Extreme sadness
• Unexplained weight gain or loss  
• Fatigue 
• Irritability 
• Concentration problems
• Trouble feeling motivated 
• Hopelessness
• Oversleeping

If you or a loved one consider suicide, call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) immediately.

Manic episodes include:

• Inflated opinion of self
• Setting unattainable goals
• Sudden mood swings 
• Talking rapidly
• Intense happiness or elation 
• Racing thoughts 
• Excessive appetite for food, sex, or pleasure 
• Being impulsive or reckless
• Sleep deprivation 

In severe cases, manic episodes can include delusions or hallucinations. You can even experience manic and depressive symptoms simultaneously, adversely impacting your work, school, or relationships. 

What can I expect from bipolar disorder treatment?

Rebecca first performs a thorough mental health evaluation and discusses your symptoms and goals. She can help you determine the type of bipolar disorder you have and can also discuss other mental health conditions that may be contributing to current challenges.

Rebecca may recommend one or a combination of effective therapies, including:

• Medication management
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• Education on resources and tools
• Exercise
• Health-supporting diet
• Meditation or journaling
• In-patient care
• Support groups
• Antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to manage, so consistent treatment is essential. To schedule your consultation, contact Cornerstone Psychiatry by phone or online today.