Mental illnesses impact the person with the diagnosis and the entire family. Some mental health conditions can go undiagnosed for years but that does not mean that family members are not adversely impacted by family dynamics and behavioral patterns/symptoms associated...
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by fluctuation in moods that impact different areas of life. According to the National Alliance For Mentally Ill, approximately 7 million people in the United States are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Often times, people seek treatment after the symptoms adversely impact their functioning. The good news is there are effective treatments for those with Bipolar Disorder. At Associates in Psychotherapy, our team of therapists are trained to assess and treat this condition. Our team also recognizes that coordination of care in importance with this mood disorder and we help connect our clients with reputable and trustworthy colleagues for medications, outpatient programming if higher level of care is warranted, and community support.
Common symptoms associated with Bipolar Disorder:
- Manic or hypomanic episodes
- High energy or euphoria
- Reduced need for sleep
- Loss of touch with reality
- Racing thoughts
- Impulsivity
- Inflated sense of self
- Depressive episodes
- Low energy
- Low motivation
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Suicidal thoughts
Stop Saying Someone Is “Bipolar” When Their Mood Changes
Pop culture often misuses terms including mental health diagnoses. We often hear people incorrectly label others as "bipolar" which only perpetuates misinformation on this serious mental health condition.
Busting The Myths About Bipolar Disorder
There are many myths surround mental illness. Here's an article to help debunk the misinformation about Bipolar Disorder.
The Madman Is Back In The Building
In this article, Zack McDermott talks honestly about his first psychotic break and the aftermath of living with Bipolar Disorder.
Deconstructing Stigma: Picturing The Beauty In Life
As a McLean Hospital guest blogger, Alan S. shares his long struggle with mental illness and how he eventually found happiness in his life. Here is a link:...
How & Why You Could Be Autistic & Bipolar At The Same Time
Comorbidity refers to having more than one condition at the same time. In his Psychology Today article, Dr. Christopher Badcock explains how one may have Autism and Bipolar Disorder at the same time. Here is a link:...
A Family’s Mental Health Journey: Emergency, Illness, Recovery, Stability
Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment. However, treatment can often be cost-prohibitive. CNN's Jenny Gold follows the story of a young woman and her family's journey after she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Their story...
New Bipolar Treatment Proves Patients Can Control Their Mania
Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness. Individuals with this condition often struggle with episodes of depression and mania. A new study suggests that people can control their mania with certain interventions. In MentalHealthMatters.com, Julie Frey writes...
New Bipolar Treatment Proves Patients Can Control Their Mania
Bipolar Disorder is a serious mental illness. Individuals with this condition often struggle with episodes of depression and mania. A new study suggests that people can control their mania with certain interventions. In MentalHealthMatters.com, Julie Frey writes...
Healing The Hurt
Bipolar and other mental health conditions often affect one's relationships. In PsychCentral, Dr. Barbara Bachmeier writes about common relational issues when struggling with Bipolar Disorder. Here is a link to the article:...