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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a serious mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. In any given year, 5.7 million adults in the United States are affected by bipolar disorder, making up almost 3% of the population, and it affects both men and women. Collaborative Behavioral Health, in Skokie, Illinois, has providers trained in identifying and treating the different types of bipolar disorders. Call one of the offices or use the online booking tool today to schedule an appointment.

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What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Even though someone with bipolar disorder experiences two sets of symptoms – mania (feeling highly elated) and depression – a doctor uses only mania symptoms to diagnose whether someone has the illness or not. Signs to look out for include:

  • Unusual talkativeness

  • Abnormal jumpiness and feeling wired

  • Exaggerated sense of euphoria

  • Lack of focus and racing thoughts

  • Increased energy and activity

  • Seemingly poor decision-making

 

If you swing between these behaviors and periods of depression, make an appointment with the team at Collaborative Behavioral Health to discuss your symptoms. 

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What are the types of bipolar disorder?

There are four types of bipolar disorder. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the first place, you must have experienced at least one manic or hypomanic episode. From there, which type you have can be determined.

 

Bipolar I disorder

A person has had one or more episodes of mania that last at least seven days and are severe enough to hospitalize them. They usually experience bouts of depression, too, but these aren’t necessary for making a diagnosis. 

 

Bipolar II disorder

A person hasn’t ever experienced a full manic episode but alternates between hypomanic and depressive states. Don’t mistake this as a milder form of Bipolar I disorder; it’s a separate diagnosis, and those who live with it experience long periods of depression.

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Cyclothymic disorder

A person experiences hypomania and mild depression for at least two years, in a chronically unstable mood state. 

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Other bipolar disorder

People falling within this type are those that don’t fit into the first three categories, but who still have experienced periods of significantly high mood elevation.

It can take a little time to diagnose what type of bipolar disorder someone has, depending on how frequently they have a manic episode. But if any of these sound like you, don’t hold off consulting with the Collaborative Behavioral Health team until you have another episode. Come in right away and start receiving treatment.

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How do you treat bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder has no cure, but it’s treatable. Conventional management techniques include:

  • Self-management strategies

  • Medications

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

  • Family-focused therapy

 

Bipolar disorder needn’t stop you from doing all the things you love. When you work with Collaborative Behavioral Health, the trained professionals create comprehensive management plans to help make living with it easier. Call the office today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.

4711 Golf Road, #1200, Skokie, Illinois 60076
3000 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60657

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