Bipolar Disorder

services offered in Orlando, Miami and Clearwater, FL

Bipolar disorder is known for causing severe mood swings, but some people have a different type of the condition that causes milder symptoms. At Just Psych, LLC, Sandra Risoldi, DNP, MSN Ed, APRN, PMHNP-BC, specializes in individualized care for bipolar disorder, providing mood-stabilizing medications together with therapy that supports a healthy, thriving lifestyle. If you experience any type of mood swings, call the offices in Miami, Orlando, and Clearwater, Florida, or book an in-person or telepsychiatry appointment online today.

Bipolar Disorder Q&A

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes mood swings between high-energy mania and low-energy depression. However, the severity of your symptoms depends on the type of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder was originally called manic depressive disorder. The condition causes mood swings between full-blown mania and major depression, often with periods of neutral mood between the highs and lows. Manic episodes are typically severe, often requiring hospitalization to restore a stable mood.

Bipolar II disorder

People with bipolar II disorder have swings of hypomania and major depression. Hypomania causes the same symptoms as mania, but they’re less severe and don’t usually disrupt your daily life or need hospitalization.

Cyclothymic disorder

People with cyclothymic disorder have mood swings that cause less severe symptoms than hypomania and depression. However, you have frequent mood swings that go on for a long time, and you have a high risk of progressing to bipolar I or II.

What symptoms does bipolar disorder cause?

Manic episodes cause symptoms such as:

Talking rapidly and frequently switching topics
Needing little to no sleep
Feeling very energetic despite lacking sleep
Having uncontrollable racing thoughts
Staying constantly active
Engaging in risky behaviors (e.g., spending sprees, drinking while driving)

You can also have delusions and hallucinations during full-blown mania.

When your mood swings to major depression, your symptoms include:

Feeling worthless, sad, and hopeless
Losing interest in your favorite activities
Isolating yourself from family and friends
Sleeping more or less than usual
Eating too much or too little
Struggling to make decisions
Feeling anxious and restless
Thinking about suicide

You may have major depression before experiencing your first manic episode.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Your Just Psych, LLC, provider treats bipolar disorder with medications and therapy. Mood-stabilizing medications can help prevent swings between mania and depression, while therapy teaches you the skills you need to manage the disorder.

During therapy, your provider may help you learn to recognize the signs of a pending mood swing, then teach you tips for preventing it. You can also use therapy to overcome the many aspects of your life affected by bipolar disorder, from damaged relationships and unemployment to stress and anger management.

If you need skilled care for bipolar disorder, call Just Psych, LLC, or book an appointment online today.

}