Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental condition that causes significant mood changes that range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression). The mood shifts impact your physical, mental, and emotional health and make meeting your responsibilities difficult.

Bipolar disorder affects adults and children and likely develops due to chemical dysfunction in the part of the brain that controls your mood. You may be at increased risk for the condition if you have family members with bipolar disorder.

Phoenix Pointe Psychiatry offers patient-focused care for adults and children with bipolar disorder. The providers focus on holistic therapies to improve your quality of life and can also prescribe medications to stabilize your mood.

When should I schedule a bipolar disorder consultation?

Schedule a psychiatric evaluation at Phoenix Pointe Psychiatry for yourself or your child if symptoms of bipolar disorder disrupt your success at home, school, or work. Symptoms depend on the type of bipolar disorder that you have.

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder involves mania, episodes of an extremely elevated mood, high energy levels, and restlessness that last for at least seven days. Following a manic episode, you feel persistent sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness that persists for two weeks or longer.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder includes a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is similar to mania, but its symptoms are less severe.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder describes episodes of hypomania and depression that aren’t as intense as bipolar I or II symptoms.

If left untreated, bipolar disorder can increase your risk for self-harm and suicidal thoughts or actions. If you’re thinking about hurting yourself, dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or get to the nearest hospital emergency room.

The providers offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to confirm bipolar disorder and rule out other mental and emotional health issues.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Phoenix Pointe Psychiatry values the importance of mindfulness techniques and other holistic therapies to support your mental health. The providers can recommend:

• Meditation
• Breathwork
• Daily exercise
• Diet improvements
• Stress reduction

The specialists can also prescribe and manage mood stabilizers that prevent extreme shifts in mood. They offer in-house counseling and can also refer you to a therapist to help you cope with bipolar disorder challenges.

Call Phoenix Pointe Psychiatry today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for bipolar disorder for yourself or your child or book an appointment online.