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The first signs of bipolar disorder typically begin around the age of 25 and once they begin, the condition lasts a lifetime. Seeking early treatment from Natalie Chigozie, MSW, LCSW, and the caring team at IOP Mental Health in Cary, North Carolina, can reduce the severity and number of mood swings. The intensive outpatient program can help you stay out of the hospital or serve as your step-down treatment after you’re discharged. To learn more, call the office or use online booking to request an evaluation.
Bipolar Disorder Q & A
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes mood swings between depression and mania. However, the symptoms you experience depend on which of the three types you have:
Bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar I disorder resembles the classic mood swings of severe mania and major depressive disorder (MDD). A manic episode typically lasts one week and causes such severe symptoms that many people need inpatient care to restore balance.
Bipolar II disorder
- This type causes episodes of MDD and hypomania. Hypomania has the same symptoms as mania but is milder and may seem more like a positive burst of energy than a mental health problem.
Cyclothymic disorder
- Cyclothymic disorder is mild hypomania and depression. Despite your mild symptoms, cyclothymic disorder can significantly disrupt your life because you have frequent mood swings that continue for years.
What symptoms does bipolar disorder cause?
Whether you have MDD or mild depression, your symptoms may include:
- Feeling worthless and hopeless
- Losing interest in your favorite activities
- Gaining or losing weight
- Having a hard time sleeping
- Sleeping more than usual
- Feeling restless and irritable
- Having little to no energy
- Finding it hard to concentrate
- Thinking about suicide
Mania and hypomania cause the following symptoms:
- Talking excessively or rapidly
- Needing little to no sleep
- Having constant energy
- Experiencing racing thoughts
- Acting full of yourself or arrogant
- Having delusions and hallucinations (bipolar I disorder)
Full-blown mania also leads to risky behaviors, such as driving while drinking or overspending.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
The IOP Mental Health team includes a board-certified psychiatrist who prescribes the mood-stabilizing medications needed to balance your mental health. You also need therapy that helps you manage the life challenges caused by bipolar disorder, such as difficulty keeping a job and maintaining relationships.
The intensive outpatient program at IOP Mental Health provides medication management and group therapy for about six to eight weeks. However, program length can vary depending on the severity of your condition.
After your IOP Mental Health program ends, your therapist develops a discharge plan, ensuring you get ongoing outpatient therapy and have access to the community resources needed to support your mental health.
Call IOP Mental Health to schedule an appointment, or use online booking today.