Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that usually occur in cycles. It is a disorder in which there is instability of mood or mood swings, from feeling really good to feeling very depressed. These mood swings can be so strong that it makes life and relationships difficult to handle at times. Treatment for bipolar disorder typically includes medication and psychotherapy to help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of mood swings. Our mental health professionals are trained to assist with treatment of bipolar and help individuals obtain a successful and fulfilling life.

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• Bipolar I Disorder-  Presence of the following symptoms lasting majority of the day every day for one week:

  • A distinct period of abnormally and persistent elevated, expansive, or irritable mood

  • Persistent and increased energy 

  • Not needing to sleep, or only sleeping a few hours nightly and feeling rested

  • More talkative than usual

  • Inflated self-esteem

  • Flight of ideas or racing thoughts

  • Easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli 

  • Increased in goal-directed activities, such as cleaning sprees, finishing a weeks worth of work in one day

  • Engaging in risky behavior including speeding, spending sprees, or becoming more promiscuous  without realizing consequences 

  • Seeing or hearing things that others might not see or hear

• Followed by the following symptoms:

  • Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day (Note: in children, this might present as irritable)

  • Diminished interest or pleasure in some of all activities most of the day

  • Weight loss or weight gain

  • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much

  • Low energy 

  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness

  • Poor concentration 

  • Recurrent thoughts of death such as suicidal ideation with or without plan/intent

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• Bipolar II Disorder-  Presence of the following symptoms lasting majority of the day every day for four days or less:

  • A distinct period of abnormally and persistent elevated, expansive, or irritable mood

  • Persistent and increased energy 

  • Not needing to sleep, or only sleeping a few hours nightly and feeling rested

  • More talkative than usual

  • Inflated self-esteem

  • Flight of ideas or racing thoughts

  • Easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli 

  • Increased in goal-directed activities, such as cleaning sprees, finishing a weeks worth of work in one day

  • Engaging in risky behavior including speeding, spending sprees, or becoming more promiscuous  without realizing consequences 

• Followed by the following symptoms:

  • Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day (Note: in children, this might present as irritable)

  • Diminished interest or pleasure in some of all activities most of the day

  • Weight loss or weight gain

  • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much

  • Low energy 

  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness

  • Poor concentration 

  • Recurrent thoughts of death such as suicidal ideation with or without plan/intent

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