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Bipolar Disorder Q & A
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs and lows. Having bipolar disorder can significantly disrupt your life, affecting your mood, energy levels, thinking, and behavior.
What causes bipolar disorder?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t fully understood, but it's believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.
For example, if you have a family history of bipolar disorder or other mood disorders, you’re more at risk of developing it.
In addition, abnormalities in brain structure and function, such as imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
Stressful life events, substance misuse, and hormonal imbalances can also trigger or exacerbate episodes.
What are the signs of bipolar disorder?
Signs of bipolar disorder vary depending on the type of episode — mania, hypomania, or depression — and can range from mild to severe.
During manic or hypomanic episodes, you may experience:
- Elevated mood
- Increased energy
- Racing thoughts
- Impulsivity
- Excessive talking
- Decreased need for sleep
- Thinking highly of yourself
- Risky behavior (such as reckless spending or substance misuse)
In contrast, depressive episodes present as:
- Feelings of sadness
- Hopelessness
- Worthlessness
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you or someone you care about experiences any of the above symptoms, Dr. Zarate-Rourke, DNP can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
At Moving Forward Washington, treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Dr. Zarate-Rourke, DNP may prescribe mood stabilizers to control mood swings and prevent episodes. Antidepressants may also be used cautiously in combination with mood stabilizers to treat depressive symptoms, although they can sometimes trigger manic episodes if used alone.
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation helps you better understand your condition, identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and improve medication adherence. Family therapy and support groups can also provide valuable encouragement and education for you and your loved ones.
Lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, healthy eating habits, stress reduction techniques, adequate sleep, and avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs can help stabilize your mood and minimize your risk of relapse.
To seek a proper diagnosis and effective treatment solutions for bipolar disorder, call Moving Forward Washington or book online today to schedule a telehealth appointment.