Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 4.4% of adults and 2.9% of adolescents in the United States. It is a chronic condition that requires careful, ongoing management.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression. These mood shifts go far beyond normal ups and downs — they can significantly affect energy levels, activity, sleep, behavior, judgment, and the ability to think clearly.
There are several types: Bipolar I involves full manic episodes, Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes with major depressive episodes, and Cyclothymic Disorder involves chronic fluctuating moods. In children and adolescents, bipolar disorder can be particularly challenging to diagnose as symptoms may overlap with ADHD, depression, or behavioral disorders.
Signs and Symptoms
Manic/Hypomanic Episodes
- Abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
- Decreased need for sleep
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts
- Increased goal-directed activity or agitation
- Risky or impulsive behaviors
Depressive Episodes
- Deep sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Significant changes in sleep and appetite
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Our Approach to Treatment
Bipolar disorder requires particularly careful medication management. Mood stabilizers (such as lithium and valproate) are the cornerstone of treatment, often combined with atypical antipsychotics when needed. Unlike unipolar depression, bipolar depression typically should not be treated with antidepressants alone, as this can trigger manic episodes.
We take a methodical approach to finding the right medication regimen, monitoring closely for therapeutic response and side effects. Lab monitoring (including lithium levels, thyroid function, and metabolic panels) is an important part of ongoing care. Stability is the goal — and we work with each patient to achieve and maintain it.