Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed around age 25 on average, but symptoms can appear at any time throughout adulthood. No matter your age, the team at Global Behavioral Healthcare offers exceptional telehealth treatment for bipolar disorder, including prescribing the medications needed to prevent mood swings. If you’re an adult living in Colorado and are concerned about changes in your moods or you’ve already been diagnosed, don’t wait to reach out for support. Schedule a telehealth appointment by calling the office based in Denver, Colorado, or request one online today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is known for causing swings between high and low moods. But that’s only one of three distinct types of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder is the classic type, with swings between high-energy mania and low-energy depression (major depressive disorder). Manic episodes cause severe symptoms that often require hospitalization to restore a stable mood.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder causes episodes of hypomania and major depressive disorder (MDD). Hypomania is less severe than mania, causing a surge of energy that makes you more productive instead of disrupting your ability to function.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder causes mild depression and hypomania. Despite the mild symptoms, cyclothymic disorder disrupts your life because it causes frequent mood swings lasting at least two years.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Mania and hypomania cause symptoms such as:

• Feeling elated
• Having constant energy
• Talking excessively or rapidly
• Needing little to no sleep
• Experiencing racing thoughts
• Engaging in potentially dangerous activities like using alcohol or drugs

People with bipolar I disorder may have hallucinations (hearing, smelling, seeing, or feeling things that aren't there) or delusions (false beliefs).

Whether you have mild depression or MDD, the symptoms include:

• Feeling sad and hopeless
• Having little or no energy
• Giving up activities they enjoy
• Having insomnia or sleeping too much
• Finding it hard to concentrate
• Feeling irritable or restless
• Thinking about suicide

Some people may have depression and mania at the same time (a mixed episode). Mixed episodes can be especially dangerous if you’re highly energized while feeling suicidal because you’re more likely to follow through on your feelings.

If you can’t shake suicidal thoughts, call 988 (the suicide hotline) immediately.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The team at Global Behavioral Healthcare provides patient-centered care for bipolar disorder, ensuring your treatment meets your unique mental and physical needs. However, mood-stabilizing medications are critical for everyone with bipolar disorder.

Medication management stabilizes your moods and, with consistent use, prevents future mood swings. Your provider will likely also recommend talk therapy to support your ability to achieve a thriving life.

During therapy, you learn how to manage troublesome thoughts and behaviors and practical skills for daily challenges, whether you struggle with insomnia, anger, or socializing.

Early treatment for bipolar disorder often leads to better results in the long run. Call Global Behavioral Healthcare or use online scheduling to request a telehealth appointment today.