Bipolar disorder (previously referred to as “manic depression”) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. Someone’s mood can shift from extreme highs (mania or hypomania) to extreme lows (depression). The frequency of these shifts varies from one person to another.
What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Researchers are still trying to determine exactly what causes bipolar disorder. With that said, studies suggest that this condition may develop due to genetics or physical changes within the brain.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder symptoms vary depending on the type of episode that someone is experiencing. For example, when someone is having a manic or hypomanic episode, they may:
- Feel euphoric and upbeat
- Be increasingly self-confident
- Have more energy than usual
- Experience racing thoughts
- Get easily distracted
- Become irritated more frequently than usual
- Make poor decisions
But when someone enters into a depressive episode, they may instead:
- Feel sad, empty, hopeless, guilty, and worthless
- Lose interest in the activities they once enjoyed
- Have unexplained changes in their appetite and weight
- Feel more tired than usual
- Sleep too much or experience insomnia
- Have trouble thinking, concentrating, and making decisions
- Experience suicidal thoughts
Experienced Therapists Treating Patients Near You
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder—or if you suspect that you might have this condition—you can turn to our skilled therapists for assistance. We’re highly experienced in treating bipolar disorder, and we’ll draw on this background to supply you with the knowledgeable, caring treatment you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
Jeff Klein
Hello, I’m Jeff Klein, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals aged 18 to 90 who grapple with a range of mental health challenges. From the early days of my journey in this field, advocating for people has been my driving passion. As a licensed clinical psychotherapist, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of therapy in countless lives.
My mission is simple yet profound: to meet each client exactly where they are on their unique mental health journey. Whether it’s battling anxiety, addiction, mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, or navigating the complexities of thought disorders such as schizophrenia, I believe in starting from a place of empathy and understanding. It’s from this foundation that we can build a strong therapeutic alliance, working together to foster greater mindfulness and self-awareness.
Learn more about Jeff: caringtherapistsofbroward.com/staff/jeff-klein/