Bipolar Disorder services offered in Riverside, Colton, Colton and San Bernardino, CA
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes severe shifts in mood, cycling between feelings of euphoria and depression. Khadija Hamisi, PMHNP, is an experienced mental health professional who provides psychiatric care for those struggling with bipolar disorder at Inland Empire Behavioral Group in Riverside, California. Bipolar disorder is a long-term mental health condition that requires ongoing medical support. For compassionate care, call the office or schedule an appointment online today. Telehealth appointments are also available.
Bipolar Disorder Q & A
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes unusual changes in mood and energy that interfere with a person’s ability to manage daily tasks.
People with bipolar disorder cycle between manic and depressive episodes.
Manic episodes
During a manic episode, you feel happy and energized, even euphoric. You may also feel extremely confident and unusually talented and powerful. Insomnia, poor appetite, and irritability are also common manic episode symptoms.
Depressive episodes
With depressive episodes, you feel sad and empty. Your energy levels are low and you have little interest in spending time with others. You may also sleep and eat more.
The feelings you have during a manic or depressive episode last almost all day and continue for days or weeks.
What are the types of bipolar disorder?
Not everyone with bipolar disorder experiences the same level of mood changes. Mental health experts classify bipolar disorder into one of three types based on severity and frequency of symptoms.
These types include:
Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I disorder is the most severe type. People with bipolar I disorder have intense manic episodes that last seven or more days and require hospitalization. Then, they cycle into a depressive episode that lasts two or more weeks.
Bipolar II disorder
People with bipolar II disorder also have manic and depressive episodes. However, with bipolar II disorder, the mania is less severe — known as hypomania — and may not require hospitalization.
Cyclothymia
With cyclothymia, people go through repeated episodes of hypomania and depression for two or more years, or one year in children or teens.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Researchers are still trying to understand what causes bipolar disorder. However, they theorize that the mood disorder develops from a combination of factors, including genetics, brain structure and function, and stressful life experiences.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
The providers at Inland Empire Behavioral Group are experienced mental health professionals. They create individualized treatment plans for patients with bipolar disorder to improve their symptoms and quality of life.
Treatment may include:
- Medication — mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, antidepressants
- Individual psychotherapy
- Family therapy
- Self-management skills
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition and requires ongoing care and support. Your provider continues to work with you, adjusting your plan as needed.
For compassionate and comprehensive care for bipolar disorder, call Inland Empire Behavioral Group or schedule an appointment online today.