Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms & Treatment Options
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. It is healthy and normal to experience a range of emotions in response to the good and the bad that life throws at us. But in the case of Bipolar Disorder, a person’s mood state appears to take on a life of its own. Severe and unpredictable mood swings are common.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder does not look the same in all individuals. Some patients have manic episodes, during which they may experience increased energy and goal-directed activity, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, pressured speech, grandiosity, distractibility, and impulsivity. In severe cases, patients with mania must be hospitalized in order to be safe and achieve stabilization. Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions) sometimes occur during manic episodes. There are some patients who experience hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania. There are also individuals who experience mixed episodes that include symptoms of both mania and depression happening at the same time. These mixed episodes are particularly common in younger patients. In addition to manic symptoms, people with Bipolar Disorder also suffer with episodes of depression. Patients with Bipolar Disorder tend to experience their symptoms in cycles that come and go.
Options for Treating Bipolar Disorder
The good news is that both the manic and depressive symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can be targeted effectively with medications. Dr. Rogers has a wealth of experience treating patients with Bipolar Disorder. He has helped many young people recover from the oppressive grip it has on their lives. Call our office today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
