Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes a change in the individual’s mood, energy and ability to function. People with bipolar disorder will typically experience intense emotional states that typically occur during distinct periods of days to even weeks, called mood episodes. These mood episodes are typically categorized into two different categories: manic/hypomanic and depressive.

What are the 4 types of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that deeply impacts a person’s mental health. There are four distinct kinds of bipolar disorder. Working with a mental health provider to  identify which kind you have will help you to understand how to get treatment for it and get you back to living your best life. The 4 types of bipolar are:

• Bipolar 1, characterized by:
  • Manic episodes (with or without depressive symptoms) that typically last a week or longer.
  • Mania so severe that it requires you to be hospitalized to ease symptoms.
• Bipolar 2, characterized by:
  • Having both manic and depressive episodes that pass quickly.
  • Mania that is not so severe as it requires hospitalization for relief.
• Cyclothymic Disorder, characterized by:
  • Manic and depressive episodes lasting for two years or longer.
  • Manic and depressive episodes which are less severe than those seen in bipolar 1 or 2, but it does cause unstable moods (i.e. periods of normalcy mixed with mania and depression)
• Other types of Bipolar Disorder
  • If your symptoms do not exactly fit into one of the categories above, you could be considered a type 4, also known as “other” types. This type of bipolar disorder can be caused by many factors in your life including drugs, alcohol or underlying medical conditions.

What doctor helps with bipolar disorder?

To help treat bipolar disorder, medication is usually required, as well as a psychiatrist who is qualified to identify which drugs would work best for each specific patient and their unique bipolar disorder. The psychiatrists at Stedfast Psychiatry are medical doctors with specialized training in mental health care and experience in helping patients to manage their bipolar symptoms.

We work with each patient to find the right combinations and dosages of medication work best for the patient to allow them to lead fulfilling lives. Our psychiatrists can provide multiple different therapies and other critical treatment options to help with your bipolar disorder. On top of the treatment options available, we are able to run uniquely qualified testing to help clarify a diagnosis and offer educational information about your bipolar and how it can affect you emotionally and in other behavioral ways.

If you think you may have bipolar disorder, or someone you love may have bipolar disorder. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are available to go over the testing methods we offer and when a diagnosis is found, we can also offer treatment options specialized for you. New to the area? Split your time between Florida and another part of the country? We can help you manage your medication. We serve patients from Boynton Beach FL, Palm Beach Gardens FL, Jupiter FL, West Palm Beach FL, Riviera Beach FL, Century Village FL, Lake Park FL, and North Palm Beach FL.