Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects about seven million adults in the United States. If your mood frequently fluctuates between overjoyed and energized to feeling depressed, visit A Brand New Day, LLC, in Fairfield, Connecticut. Adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner Jennifer Landolt, PMHNP-BC, diagnoses and treats bipolar disorder to reduce mood swings and other unpleasant symptoms. Schedule a mental health evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes mood swings, which may be severe. Your mood might quickly change from being overly happy to extremely sad. If symptoms of bipolar disorder negatively affect your job, school, or relationships, visit A Brand New Day, LLC, for a personalized treatment plan.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder may cause the following symptoms:

• Mood swings
• Agitation, irritability, or anger 
• Impulsive behaviors
• Alternating between extreme happiness and feeling depressed
• Fluctuating between lots of energy and fatigue
• Being overly confident
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Being overly talkative or unusually quiet
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless, empty, or tearful
• Worthlessness, guilt, or shame
• Body weight or appetite changes
• Thoughts of suicide
• Anxiety
• Psychosis 

The exact symptoms you’re experiencing will depend on whether you’re in a manic (very happy) or depressed state of mind. Bipolar disorder is often diagnosed during the teenage years or in early adulthood. 

What are the different types of bipolar disorder?

Examples of the types of bipolar disorder are as follows:

• Bipolar I disorder: at least one manic episode with hypomanic (less severe) or major depressive episodes
• Bipolar II disorder: at least one major depressive episode with at least one hypomanic episode, but no manic episodes
• Cyclothymia: at least two years of hypomanic and depression symptoms, but the depressive symptoms are less severe than major depression

There are other types of bipolar disorder as well, including those related to alcohol, drugs, or physical health problems (multiple sclerosis, stroke, Cushing’s disease, etc.).

What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder risk factors may include:

• Brain changes
• Family history of bipolar disorder
• Stress
• Trauma
• Alcohol or drug misuse 
• Major life challenges

However, the cause of bipolar disorder isn’t fully clear, and anyone can develop it.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Jennifer can diagnose bipolar disorder by completing a psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. She discusses your medical history, moods, emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and lifestyle habits. A Brand New Day, LLC, tailors a plan to eliminate unwelcome bipolar disorder symptoms.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Your personalized bipolar disorder treatment may consist of:

• Medication management
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
• Family-focused therapy
• Psychoeducation
• Stress management
• Lifestyle modifications 

Jennifer follows up to ensure your treatment is effective and offers regular therapy sessions to aid in long-lasting success. 

Schedule a bipolar disorder evaluation at A Brand New Day, LLC, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.