Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder services offered in Murrieta, CA

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed around age 25 on average, but symptoms often begin in the teen years. If you have concerns about signs in you or your teen, the skilled team at Duality Mental Health in Murrieta, California, can help. Olga Jackson, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, and Adarius Jackson, MSW, LCSW, perform psychiatric evaluations and provide personalized medication management and therapy for bipolar disorder. Call Duality Mental Health or use the online booking feature to schedule an in-person or telepsychiatry appointment today.

Bipolar Disorder Q & A

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder sounds like one diagnosis, but it’s a general term for three conditions: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. They all cause mood swings, but your symptoms depend on which type you have:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder causes swings between mania and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, your provider can diagnose this disorder after one manic episode, even if you don’t have depressive episodes. Manic episodes are so severe that many people need hospitalization to stabilize their mood.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder causes swings between MDD and hypomania, which causes less severe manic symptoms. Full-blown mania affects your ability to function. Hypomania gives you a surge of positive energy that makes you more productive.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder causes episodes of mild depression and hypomania. Despite having mild symptoms, this disorder can significantly disrupt your life because you have frequent mood swings for at least two years.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Mania and hypomania differ in severity but cause the same symptoms, including:

Feeling elated, irritable, or jumpy
Having constant energy
Talking excessively or rapidly
Needing little to no sleep
Experiencing racing thoughts
Desiring pleasurable activities (whether food, sex, alcohol, or drugs)

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

Depression also causes the same symptoms, whether they’re mild or severe, such as:

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

Depression can also make you think about death and suicide. If you can’t shake suicidal thoughts, call the suicide and crisis hotline (988) immediately.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Mood-stabilizing medications are essential for stabilizing your moods and preventing future mood swings. In addition to medication management, your Duality Mental Health provider may recommend therapy.

Therapy fills many possible roles supporting your ability to live a fulfilling life with bipolar disorder. Some therapies focus on managing distorted thoughts and challenging behaviors; others teach practical skills for overcoming life challenges.

Your provider can also help with problems commonly faced by people with bipolar disorder, like insomnia. Lack of sleep can trigger mood swings.

Call Duality Mental Health or book an appointment online today to begin transformative treatments for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar Disorder