Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder services offered in Lanham, MD and Washington, DC

If you battle extreme emotional highs and lows, including lingering depression, you may be one of the nearly 6 million Americans with bipolar disorder. For an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive, individualized care, you can rely on the team of skilled providers at Chivic Healthcare Services in Lanham, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Schedule your appointment by calling the office or booking online today.

Bipolar Disorder Q&A

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition with symptoms that include extreme swings in mood, behavior, and energy. These variations are much more disruptive to your everyday life than the ups and downs expected by most people.

What are the types of bipolar disorder?

Doctors differentiate between the types of bipolar disorder based on the nature and severity of your shifts in mood. The types include:

Bipolar I disorder

As the most severe form, bipolar I is characterized by manic episodes that last over a week or require hospitalization. It can also cause depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks.

Bipolar II disorder

This type of bipolar disorder causes depressive and hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are less disruptive to your life than manic episodes and allow you to function to some degree.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder causes your mood to frequently swing between mild depression and hypomania for a period lasting at least two years.

Because every person is unique, your symptoms may not perfectly fit into one of those categories. Your provider will personalize your treatment plan to your specific needs rather than offering cookie-cutter solutions.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed and treated?

To get the most accurate diagnosis of your bipolar disorder, the Chivic Healthcare Services team conducts a comprehensive mental health evaluation. They gather information about your medical history, mood, and behavior and may ask you to keep a journal so you can track how long your mood swings last.

They may also perform lab tests to rule out other medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Because bipolar disorder has overlapping symptoms with other conditions like borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression, they must also rule those out.

Your care plan will likely involve a combination of treatments, including:

Psychotherapy
Hospitalization, if necessary
Medication
A healthy support network
Lifestyle management

If manic episodes threaten your safety for a time, your provider can ensure you get the proper treatment in a hospital setting. They carefully combine therapies as needed to address your individual situation.

Chivic Healthcare Services offers the support to manage bipolar symptoms and live the life you want. To learn more about bipolar management, call the office or book a consultation online today.