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Bipolar Disorder

The National Institutes for Mental Health define bipolar disorder as a manic-depressive illness, a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

Bipolar disorder is categorized by four types: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder, and Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and related disorders. Treatment for bipolar disorder includes managing symptoms while possibly adhering to a medication regimen prescribed by a psychiatrist. Outpatient counseling combined with medication management can help promote best outcomes for this disorder. Treatment used for this disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy, family focused therapy and psychoeducation. 

"Bipolar disorder, it's a challenge, but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in your life."- Carrie Fisher