Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition that causes intense shifts in mood and behavior, making it difficult to manage responsibilities and maintain healthy relationships. Bright Shadows Telepsychiatry, led by Rondeshya “Ronnie” Cosby, NP,  offers specialized bipolar treatments to patients aged 12 and older in and around Virginia and North Carolina. Utilizing supportive virtual appointments, the team can provide accurate bipolar diagnosis and develop a helpful, long-lasting treatment plan. Call the practice today or request a consultation online to learn more.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes sudden shifts in mood, energy, and ability to function. If you have the disorder, you may experience intense emotional states (mood episodes) that can last days to weeks. 

For a bipolar I diagnosis, you experience a minimum of one manic episode that lasts longer than one week or requires hospitalization. 

With bipolar II, you experience at least one depressive and hypomanic episode —  you may also return to your usual functioning between episodes.

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar and may include a consistently unstable mood and short periods of stable mood (euthymia). 

The average age of onset for bipolar disorder is the mid-20s, but symptoms can begin in adolescence.

Bipolar disorder commonly runs in families, and The American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports that 80-90% of individuals with bipolar disorder have a relative with bipolar disorder or depression. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Manic and depressive symptoms may simultaneously occur. Depressive episode symptoms that can present in all ages include: 

• Intense despair 
• Fatigue 
• Irritability
• Agitation 
• Loss of appetite 
• Sleep changes 
• Issues focusing 
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities 
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide 

Signs of a manic episode or mania include:

• Mood swings 
• Intense excitement or joy 
• Impulsivity 
• Recklessness
• Explosiveness 
• Uncontrollable racing thoughts 
• Decreased need for sleep 
• Setting grandiose goals 
• Increased risky behavior 
• Conflicts with others 
• Disorganized thinking or false beliefs 

A hypomanic episode has less severe manic symptoms that last at least four consecutive days.

What bipolar disorder treatments are available? 

Your provider at Bright Shadows Telepsychiatry conducts a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to understand your medical history and symptoms. After diagnosing your type of bipolar disorder, they create a sustainable treatment plan. 

The team may recommend:

• Psychotherapy 
• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications 
• Mood stabilizers 
• Atypical antipsychotics 
• Meditation or journaling
• Balanced diet and exercise 
• Self-management tools
• Substance abuse programs 
• In-patient hospitalization 

The team may also recommend getting involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which provides support groups and resources for adolescents and their families, or the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) for all ages. 

Because bipolar disorder lasts throughout your lifetime, it’s critical to continue treatment even if symptoms improve or aren’t apparent for some time. 

To learn more about bipolar care, call Bright Shadow Telepsychiatry today or request a consultation online.