Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can cause dramatic swings in mood, erratic activity levels and energy, and can damage relationships and personal success if left untreated. Beacon Health System can help you find the right path to stability, well-being and your best future.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic-depressive illness, is a serious medical condition that usually starts in the teens or young adulthood. People who have bipolar disorder have “high” periods, called manic episodes, and “low” periods, called depressive episodes. Some people may have symptoms of both at the same time, which is called a “mixed” state.

During a manic episode, a person may:

• Feel extremely happy
• Talk rapidly, jumping from one idea to the next
• Become irritable and restless
• Take on new projects or activities
• Behave impulsively or recklessly

A person in a depressive state might:

• Feel sad and hopeless
• Lose interest in normal activities
• Feel tired or run down
• Have trouble focusing or making decisions
• Think of death or suicide, or even attempt suicide

Bipolar disorder can range from mild to severe, and not everyone has the same symptoms. It can be hard to identify, especially in mild cases or in people with mixed symptoms, so it’s important to be evaluated by a team with extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.

Treating Bipolar Disorder

The condition usually lasts a lifetime, but with the right treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder can manage their mood swings so they’re much less frequent and severe. Effective treatment usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Medications can include antidepressants, mood stabilizers and certain antipsychotics. If standard treatment doesn’t effectively control symptoms, ketamine therapy may be an option.

If you have bipolar disorder or think you may have it, it’s important to talk openly with your doctor and other health professionals. Family members also may need support and education to help them understand bipolar disorder and how to deal with it. Our team works closely with you, your family and other health care providers to ensure a proper diagnosis and to find the most effective treatment and maintenance plan. Your well-being and future are our priorities.