Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Looking for help managing bipolar disorder? Smile Psychiatry & Behavioral Health provides compassionate, effective therapy for individuals with bipolar disorder. Regain control of your life–contact us today!
Bipolar Disorder Treatment for Adults in Utah
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can severely impact daily life. Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of depression and mania, which can make you feel like you’re not in control of your moods and make it difficult to maintain relationships.
Smile Psychiatry wants to help you feel in control again. Through our individualized treatment plans, we can give you the tools–often a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes–to recognize and respond to your highs and lows in a healthy way. Schedule an appointment with Smile Psychiatry today to start getting the compassionate bipolar disorder treatment you need.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Sometimes called manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes periodic, drastic mood swings that manifest as depression and mania. These episodes typically last a few weeks but can last up to several months. Manic episodes are characterized by high energy, impulsive behavior, and racing thoughts, while depressive episodes are marked by decreased appetite, social withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts.
Because of its unpredictability and influence on thinking and decision-making patterns, bipolar disorder can be extremely debilitating. It may strain your relationships, distort your self-image, and make you feel like you’re not in control of yourself or your life. At Smile Psychiatry, we have the tools and expertise to help you better understand your condition, notice how it impacts you, and make the necessary changes to improve your life.
What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be divided into two distinct categories–manic and depressive.
Manic symptoms:
- Decreased need for sleep
- Excessive talking
- High energy
- Illogical thinking
- Impulsive behavior
- Irritability and agitation
- Surge of ideas
Depressive symptoms:
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low energy
- Pessimistic thinking
- Loss of interest
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
What are the Types of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar I
Bipolar one, generally considered to be the most severe type of bipolar disorder, is characterized by episodes of extreme mania (often manifesting as or leading to psychosis) that last at least seven days. Depressive episodes are commonly experienced among individuals with bipolar one, but not always. This type of bipolar disorder is distinguished by the acute debilitation caused by manic episodes.
Bipolar II
Bipolar two, though similar to bipolar one, is unique in that manic episodes are typically shorter and less severe than those experienced by individuals with bipolar one, and are thus referred to as hypomanic episodes. The severe depressive episodes present in bipolar two tend to last longer, occur notably more frequently, and be more debilitating than the hypomanic episodes.
How Do You Know if You Have Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder can be difficult to recognize–especially in yourself. If you have experienced periods of depression and mania that continue to interfere with–and even sabotage–your relationships, success, and happiness, it may be time to seek a diagnosis and start treatment.
If you suspect you may have a form of bipolar disorder, schedule an appointment with Smile Psychiatry today. One of our expert providers will meet with you and ask your symptoms and medical background in order to provide a diagnosis (if applicable). From there, we can build out a comprehensive treatment plan for bipolar disorder.
How Does Therapy Help with Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a debilitating mental health condition that may hinder your ability to maintain friendships, manage finances, perform well in work or school, and hold a positive self-image. Therapy is one way to address the behaviors that are disrupting your life. A therapist can help you notice and restructure thought patterns, identify harmful habits while creating positive ones, and rebuild your relationships with your loved ones and yourself.
Does Medication Help with Bipolar Disorder?
Medication is one of the most effective forms of treatment for bipolar disorder, especially when paired with therapy. Mood stabilizers are particularly beneficial in preventing and leveling manic highs and depressive lows by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain, decreasing their excitability, and thus decreasing the severity and frequency of mood swings. If your bipolar symptoms are sabotaging your life, medication could be the key to helping you feel more in control of your life.
Looking for Help with Bipolar Disorder?
Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, it doesn’t have to be the one in charge. Through medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, you can learn to notice and respond to your symptoms in a way that is consistent with the life you want to live and the person you want to be.
Here at Smile Psychiatry, we specialize in holistic treatment plans to address your unique situation and tackle the problem from all different angles. What matters most to us is giving you the compassionate mental health care that will allow you to reach your full potential. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you on your journey to hope.
See What Our Patients Have To Say...
Bruno was awesome! Good advice on proper treatment. He also connected with me over my faith (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), which is important to me when meeting with mental health professionals.
-Harrison
Bruno Silvia is amazing! He answered any question[s] and concern[s] I had.:)
-Aspen S.
Dr Barrett is so caring an professional, I was in bad shape going into see him and I found him to be compassionate and understanding. I would recommend him to anyone seeking help.
-Ben S