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Bipolar disorder is a complex mood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Many have heard the term (after all, some of you are living with it!), but did you know that there are two different types? Understanding the distinction between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is essential for proper diagnosis and bipolar therapy treatment, […]
Bipolar disorder is a complex mood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Many have heard the term (after all, some of you are living with it!), but did you know that there are two different types? Understanding the distinction between Bipolar I and Bipolar II is essential for proper diagnosis and bipolar therapy treatment, but it can also be helpful to know which you or your loved one has for your own knowledge.
Bipolar I is characterized by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or severe enough to require hospitalization. Mania usually presents as an elevated mood, taking risky behaviors, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and inflated self-esteem or unflappable confidence. Depressive episodes are common but not required for diagnosis.
Bipolar II, the more common form of bipolar disorder, involves hypomania—less intense than full mania—paired with major depressive episodes. While hypomania may not disrupt daily life to the same extent, the depressive phases can be debilitating.
While mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, and lifestyle management are the recommended treatment for both, Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II requires a slightly different approach. Close medical monitoring is especially important for Bipolar I due to the severity of manic episodes. Bipolar II generally needs lower doses of medication to be effective, and bipolar therapy has a stronger focus on the depressive episodes vs. controlling mania.
If you suspect either kind of bipolar disorder, trust your care to us. Our mental health providers are well-versed in mood disorders and committed to providing a safe, supportive space for you to get to know yourself better. Give us a call today to get started!
Supporting your family and friends is a wonderful thing. But if a friend or family member has bipolar disorder, it may be more of a challenge than you initially thought. Educating yourself about the condition, its symptoms, and treatment options—like bipolar therapy—is the first step to take. In this article, you’ll find a brief overview […]
Supporting your family and friends is a wonderful thing. But if a friend or family member has bipolar disorder, it may be more of a challenge than you initially thought. Educating yourself about the condition, its symptoms, and treatment options—like bipolar therapy—is the first step to take. In this article, you’ll find a brief overview of the condition and some recommendations for those who want to be there for their bipolar loved ones.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme shifts in mood. People with this condition will experience alternating episodes of mania or hypomania (high energy, euphoria, impulsive behavior) and depression (low mood, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities). These mood swings can last for days, weeks, or even longer, and the intensity varies between individuals.
While you aren’t responsible for your loved one, there are things you can do if you want to be a pillar of support for them during hard times. Try to:
Encourage consistent therapy and medication management
Learn to identify early warning signs of mood changes
Provide stability by maintaining predictable routines
Practice patience to avoid judgment during difficult episodes
Supporting someone with bipolar disorder is emotionally draining, to say the least. Consider joining a support group together or seeking counseling for yourself to help with stress. Don’t let your own wellbeing fall to the wayside while trying to be kind!
With a balance of patience and professional treatment, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling lives. Also know that therapy is always available at our practice, for yourself or for your loved one. Interested in learning more? Give us a call today!
Bipolar disorder (previously referred to as “manic depression”) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. Someone’s mood can shift from extreme highs (mania or hypomania) to extreme lows (depression). The frequency of these shifts varies from one person to another. What Causes Bipolar Disorder? Researchers are still trying to determine exactly what […]
Bipolar disorder (previously referred to as “manic depression”) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. Someone’s mood can shift from extreme highs (mania or hypomania) to extreme lows (depression). The frequency of these shifts varies from one person to another.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Researchers are still trying to determine exactly what causes bipolar disorder. With that said, studies suggest that this condition may develop due to genetics or physical changes within the brain.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder symptoms vary depending on the type of episode that someone is experiencing. For example, when someone is having a manic or hypomanic episode, they may:
But when someone enters into a depressive episode, they may instead:
Experienced Therapists Treating Patients Near You
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder—or if you suspect that you might have this condition—you can turn to our skilled therapists for assistance. We’re highly experienced in treating bipolar disorder, and we’ll draw on this background to supply you with the knowledgeable, caring treatment you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
