Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes volatile mood swings, shifting between extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and despondent lows (depression). These erratic shifts can impact your sleep, energy, actions, and ability to think logically. 

When you're in a manic phase, you may be ecstatic and feel like you have endless energy. During a depressive episode, you may struggle with low productivity, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness.

Other symptoms include racing thoughts, impulsivity, changes in appetite, sudden weight loss or gain, difficulty concentrating, failure to accomplish simple daily tasks, and persistent sadness.

What causes bipolar disorder?

Researchers believe that bipolar disorder has a range of possible causes that work in combination, such as:

• Genetics
• Environmental factors
• Your unique brain chemistry

The manic or depressive episodes can result from excessive stress, chronic disruptive sleep, abrupt changes in your routine, or untreated health conditions.

How does bipolar disorder impact your sleep?

Sleep disturbances are prevalent with bipolar disorder. You might experience:

• Insomnia: while you’re in a manic phase, you may feel like you don’t need sleep and have abundant energy
• Drowsiness: during depressive episodes, you may have trouble staying awake, leading to fatigue, inconsistent productivity, and lack of enthusiasm and energy.

Chronic, choppy, nonrestorative sleep can trigger severe mood swings and irritability. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Integrated Neurology Services offers a comprehensive array of services to support your needs. The team helps you manage bipolar disorder with a combination of treatments and recommendations, including:

• Pharmacologicals: Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can help regulate mood swings.
• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation help you learn to implement coping strategies.
• Sleep management: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and addressing sleep disorders like insomnia can help you stabilize your mood swings.
• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and practicing stress management techniques can stabilize your mental health.

If you or someone you love are experiencing the exhausting symptoms of bipolar disorder, seek help from the neurology and sleep specialists at Integrated Neurology Services for solutions that help you reclaim your quality of life. Call the office near you or book online at your convenience.