Early Signs of Bipolar Disorder
Occasional mood swings are common, but if you or someone you know experiences frequent, extreme mood swings, bipolar disorder may be the cause. Dr. David Flume and Dr. Daniel Ha at Flume Psychiatry in Austin, TX, provide a wide range of psychiatric and mental health services, including diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder.
What You Need to Know About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health condition causing extreme emotional highs, known as mania or hypomania, and extreme emotional lows, known as depression. There are several factors which can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder, including:
- Having a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder
- Experiencing a stressful event, such as a death of a loved one
- Chronic drug or alcohol abuse
During a manic or hypomanic episode, a person with bipolar disorder may:
- Feel jumpy, wired, or extremely upbeat
- Experience increased activity or appear agitated
- Demonstrate extreme self-confidence
- Have a decreased need to sleep
- Appear very talkative
- Have racing, distracted thoughts
- Make poor decisions
During a depressive episode, a person with bipolar disorder may:
- Feel extremely sad, hopeless, and empty
- Experience a lack of interest in activities
- Have unexplained weight loss and decrease in appetite
- Experience insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Feel fatigued and lack energy
- Experience reduced ability to focus and concentrate
- Experience indecision
If you or someone you know has three or more of the signs listed above, a psychiatrist can help. Your psychiatrist may recommend a combination of treatments to manage bipolar disorder, including:
- Medications to stabilize mood, limit depressive episodes, and control other signs of bipolar disorder
- Day treatment programs to provide support and a sense of belonging
- Substance abuse treatment to reduce or eliminate dependence on drugs or alcohol
- Hospitalization to provide a calm, therapeutic environment
Want To Know More?
To find out more about the signs, diagnosis, and treatment of bipolar disorder, talk with the experts. Call Dr. David Flume and Dr. Daniel Ha at Flume Psychiatry in Austin, TX. You can reach them in the office by calling (512) 329-5575, so call today.