Though bipolar disorder can appear in children and middle-aged adults, it most often begins between the ages of 14 to 21. At Dare To Care Too in Largo, Maryland, The Clinical Team treats clients of all ages dealing with bipolar disorder. You receive exceptional support and treatment grounded in the team’s expertise in successfully managing complex psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder. Call Dare To Care Too today or connect online to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment and begin restoring your mental well-being.

request an appointment

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder that causes swings in your mood, behavior, and energy. The severity and frequency of your mood swings depend on which of the three types you have:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder, originally called manic-depressive disorder, is defined by episodes of major depression and full-blown mania. The manic episodes cause such severe symptoms that most individuals must be hospitalized to restore balance.

Bipolar II disorder

This type causes episodes of major depression and hypomania, a less severe form of mania. Hypomania seldom disrupts daily life or requires hospitalization.

Cyclothymic disorder

If you have this type of bipolar disorder, you have swings between mild hypomania and depression (with less severe symptoms than major depression). Your symptoms are milder, but they occur frequently enough to affect daily life.

What symptoms appear if I have bipolar disorder?

Episodes of mania and hypomania cause symptoms such as:

  • Talking rapidly
  • Having nonstop energy
  • Needing little to no sleep
  • Experiencing racing thoughts
  • Feeling self-important
  • Having delusions and/or hallucinations (during full-blown manic episodes)
  • Engaging in risky behaviors (such as overspending or driving while drinking)

The symptoms that occur during a depressive episode include:

  • Feeling sad and hopeless
  • Having no interest in favorite activities
  • Losing or gaining weight (along with changes in your eating habits)
  • Oversleeping or having trouble sleeping
  • Feeling restless and irritable
  • Having little to no energy
  • Having difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Thinking about suicide

Depressive episodes may cause physical symptoms, including headaches, stomach problems, and body aches.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Medication management is an essential part of treatment for bipolar disorder. You can stabilize your mood swings and put them into remission if you stick with your prescribed medication regimen.

Your Dare To Care Too provider specializes in long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications, making it easier to maintain a stable mood. The team also has extensive experience helping clients with bipolar disorder who have a history of hospitalization.

Your provider may also recommend therapy to help with the emotional and behavioral challenges facing many clients with bipolar disorder. Therapy can help you overcome insomnia, manage stress and anger, and build social interaction skills.

You can successfully manage bipolar disorder and achieve a fulfilling life with consistent treatment. Don’t wait to call Dare To Care Too today or request an appointment online.