Bipolar Disorder Specialist
Psychiatric Mental Health Care serving Orange. CA
Bipolar Disorder services offered in Orange, CA
Intense mood swings are a telltale sign of bipolar disorder. At Brainpower Wellness Institute in Orange, California, our team provides comprehensive evaluations and treatments for bipolar disorder. For individualized bipolar care from an experienced mental health provider and dedicated staff, call Brainpower Wellness Institute or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.
*Individual diagnosis and treatment results vary
Bipolar Disorder Q & A
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme emotional highs and lows, mood swings, and other symptoms that can interfere with an individual’s ability to carry out their daily activities.
Individuals with bipolar disorder experience episodes of mania (high-energy moods) and depression (low-energy moods). These episodes often depend on the type of bipolar disorder you have.
What are the different types of bipolar disorder?
There are three primary types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I disorder
With bipolar I disorder, you have at least one manic episode lasting for at least seven days. These manic episodes can be severe enough to require hospitalization. A less extreme form of mania, hypomania, often follows these episodes. Most individuals with this form of bipolar disorder also experience bouts of depression.
Bipolar II disorder
Most individuals with bipolar II disorder experience intermittent depressive and hypomanic episodes, but not severe mania.
Cyclothymic disorder
A diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder requires at least two years’ worth of hypomanic and depressive episodes (one year in children and teenagers).
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Most individuals with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional changes and mood swings that can be difficult to predict. The bipolar symptoms you present typically depend on whether you’re experiencing a manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode.
The most common signs of bipolar disorder include:
- Feeling invincible
- Loss of appetite
- Talking very fast
- Risky behavior
- Decreased need for sleep
- Intense feelings of sadness
- Weight gain
- Increased sleep
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Restlessness
If you frequently experience any of the above symptoms, the team at Brainpower Wellness Institute can perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose your condition.
How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosing bipolar disorder is ruling out underlying medical conditions. After undergoing a complete physical exam with your primary care provider, the team can perform a psychological evaluation at Brainpower Wellness Institute.
The team reviews your medical and family history during your evaluation, discusses your symptoms, and compares them to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
What are the treatments for bipolar disorder?
Nearly all individualized treatment plans for bipolar disorder include psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. The most common medications to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. However, the team can determine the appropriate medication for you after your complete evaluation.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental health condition that requires regular treatment. To learn more, call Brainpower Wellness Institute or schedule an appointment online today.
