Bipolar Disorder

Start treatment for bipolar disorder TODAY by calling Mindful at 516-505-7200

Mindful is here to assist in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depressive disorder. This illness includes extreme mood swings from highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). Individuals may experience several bipolar episodes in one year, or may go years without an episode. In order to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you must have at least 3 or more symptoms of mania with a subsequent episode of five or more symptoms of major depression. There is also what is called ‘hypomania,’ which is a less severe type of mania that can still result in a bipolar disorder diagnosis. If untreated, mania can result in psychotic episodes and will ultimately result in a “crash” into depression.

If you or a loved one is concerned about mood swings, please review the list of symptoms of bipolar disorder below:

Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms:

  • Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired, increased activity, energy or agitation
  • Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Racing thoughts
  • Poor decision-making — for example, going on buying sprees, taking sexual risks or making foolish investments

Major depressive episode:

  • Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, hopeless or tearful
  • Marked loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in all — or almost all — activities
  • Either insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Either restlessness or slowed behavior
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Decreased ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
  • Thinking about, planning or attempting suicide

Bipolar disorder can have a variety of negative impacts on functioning. Mania can cause an individual to overspend, engage in high-risk behaviors, result in legal troubles, and disrupt relationships. It is important for an individual with bipolar disorder to abstain from emotional and environmental triggers such as substance use and intense stress. Family history of bipolar disorder may additionally put an individual at risk. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, but it can be managed. Treatment at Mindful may include medication management and group therapy, as well as referrals to individual and family psychotherapy. Mindful is here to help you reach stabilization. Call today.