Bipolar Disorder

bipolar depression therapist in Virginia Beach

Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar Disorder Therapy in Virginia Beach – Norfolk – Chesapeake

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

Bipolar disorder often develops in a person’s late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25. Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms later in life.

Bipolar disorder is not easy to spot when it starts. The symptoms may seem like separate problems, not recognized as parts of a larger problem. Some people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.

Symptoms of mania or a manic episode include:

  • Mood Changes
    • A long period of feeling “high,” or an overly happy or outgoing mood
    • Extremely irritable mood, agitation, feeling “jumpy” or “wired.”
  • Behavioral Changes
    • Talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another, having racing thoughts
    • Being easily distracted
    • Increasing goal-directed activities, such as taking on new projects
    • Being restless
    • Sleeping little
    • Having an unrealistic belief in one’s abilities
    • Behaving impulsively and taking part in a lot of pleasurable, high-risk behaviors, such as spending sprees, impulsive sex, and impulsive business investments.

Symptoms of depression or a depressive episode include:

  • Mood Changes
    • A long period of feeling worried or empty
    • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex.
  • Behavioral Changes
    • Feeling tired or “slowed down”
    • Having problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
    • Being restless or irritable
    • Changing eating, sleeping, or other habits
    • Thinking of death or suicide, or attempting suicide.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

The first step in getting a proper diagnosis is to talk to a doctor, who may conduct a physical examination, an interview, and lab tests. Bipolar disorder cannot currently be identified through a blood test or a brain scan, but these tests can help rule out other contributing factors, such as a stroke or brain tumor. If the problems are not caused by other illnesses, the doctor may conduct a mental health evaluation. The doctor may also provide a referral to a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, who is experienced in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.

The doctor or mental health professional should conduct a complete diagnostic evaluation. He or she should discuss any family history of bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses and get a complete history of symptoms. The doctor or mental health professionals should also talk to the person’s close relatives or spouse and note how they describe the person’s symptoms and family medical history.

People with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they are depressed than when experiencing mania or hypomania. Therefore, a careful medical history is needed to assure that bipolar disorder is not mistakenly diagnosed as major depressive disorder, which is also called unipolar depression. Unlike people with bipolar disorder, people who have unipolar depression do not experience mania. Whenever possible, previous records and input from family and friends should also be included in the medical history.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

To date, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. But proper treatment helps most people with bipolar disorder gain better control of their mood swings and related symptoms. This is also true for people with the most severe forms of the illness.

Because bipolar disorder is a lifelong and recurrent illness, people with the disorder need long-term treatment to maintain control of bipolar symptoms. An effective maintenance treatment plan includes medication and psychotherapy for preventing relapse and reducing symptom severity. We offer bipolar therapy services from right here in our location in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Bipolar Disorder Therapist

At C&C Therapy Associates, our focus is to offer our patients a safe, comforting and supportive atmosphere where beneficial psychotherapy can act as a catalyst along with your prescribed medication(s) so that optimal conditions can be met for your well-being.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY. CALL (804) 641-5176