Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder services serving Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas

Bipolar disorder leaves you living in uncertainty about when the next mood swing might disrupt your life. But that can change with holistic care from the psychiatrists at Regeneration Psychiatry. They understand your challenges and provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatments that help you thrive despite bipolar disorder. As an inclusive, culturally aware practice, they support the mental health of everyone in the community. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Redondo Beach, California, or book online today.

Bipolar Q&A

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition that causes swings in your mood and activity levels, from high-energy mania to low-energy depression. The severity of your symptoms depends on the type of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder causes swings between severe mania and major depression. The manic highs are so disruptive that people often need hospitalization to restore a neutral mood.

Bipolar II disorder

This type of bipolar disorder causes episodes of hypomania and major depression. Hypomania is like mania but less severe.

Cyclothymic disorder

If you have cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia), you have numerous episodes of hypomania and depressive symptoms. However, your symptoms aren’t severe enough to be diagnosed as true hypomania or major depression.

What symptoms does bipolar disorder cause?

During a manic episode, you may:

  • Have excessive energy

  • Need little sleep

  • Talk rapidly

  • Experience racing thoughts

  • Have an overblown feeling of self-importance

  • Engage in risky behaviors like drinking while driving

If you have bipolar I disorder, your manic episodes could include delusions (believing something is real when it isn’t) and hallucinations (seeing, smelling, hearing, or feeling something that isn’t real).

During major depression, you may:

  • Lose interest in your favorite activities

  • Feel sad and hopeless

  • Withdraw from your partner, family, and friends

  • Sleep more or less than usual

  • Eat more or less than usual

  • Have a hard time concentrating or making decisions

  • Think about or attempt suicide

You may also experience physical symptoms such as muscle aches, nausea, and headaches.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Regeneration Psychiatry completes a thorough psychological assessment to diagnose bipolar disorder and determine if you have any other co-occurring conditions. The practice always customizes each person’s treatment. However, medication is an essential part of your care.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that needs ongoing management and support. Part of managing your condition includes mood-stabilizing medications to prevent manic-depressive swings.

Along with medication, psychotherapy teaches you ways to manage the disorder. For example, your therapist can help you identify warning signs of an impending mood swing and teach you how to prevent it.

As part of a holistic treatment plan, you may need lifestyle changes that restore a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Many people with bipolar disorder can prevent mood swings by stabilizing their sleep schedule.

If you need compassionate care for bipolar disorder, call Regeneration Psychiatry or book an appointment online today.