Bipolar Disorder Specialist

What is bipolar disorder?

Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes severe and dramatic swings between euphoric and depressed moods. The symptoms of both your depressed and manic episodes are disruptive and impact your quality of life.

The three primary types of bipolar disorder are: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

Bipolar I disorder causes dramatic swings between depressed and manic episodes. You may have periods of normal moods in between the extremes.

Bipolar II also causes severe mood swings between depression and mania. However, your manic symptoms are classified as hypomanic and aren’t quite as intense as those experienced by people with bipolar I.

Cyclothymic disorder is the mildest form of bipolar disorder. Your mood swings are relatively constant, but your emotional ups and downs aren’t nearly as intense as those caused by bipolar I or II. Cyclothymic disorder is usually diagnosed if you’ve had two years of disruptive mood swings but your symptoms don’t meet the criteria for bipolar I or II.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes both depressive and manic symptoms. Some of the common depressive symptoms include:

• Feelings of intense sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness
• Lost interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Poor concentration and indecisiveness
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Manic episodes cause symptoms that include:

• Exaggerated self-esteem
• Reduced need for sleep
• More talkative than usual
• Easily distracted
• Trying to do too many things at the same time
• Risky or impulsive behaviors
• Racing thoughts

Hypomanic symptoms are similar to manic symptoms but are less severe. Patients with bipolar II disorder usually spend more time with depression than euphoric or elevated mood.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Dr. Estakhri provides a comprehensive assessment to diagnose your condition before creating a customized treatment plan to regulate your moods, reduce your symptoms, and improve your quality of life.

Mood regulators are core treatment for bipolar disorders. There are several FDA-approved mood regulators. Optimal treatment requires a personalized treatment plan for each individual with bipolar disorder Therapy including cognitive behavioral therapy in combination with medication treatment can optimize the outcome.  

Call Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and customized treatment for bipolar disorder.