Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects 200,714 Michigan adults every year (based on US Census Bureau data and statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health). Also known as manic depressive disorder, bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings – from euphoric highs to deep depression. If you or someone you know may have bipolar disorder, the guide below will give you a better idea of what this condition is and what you can do to treat it.
Definition Of Bipolar Disorder
By definition, bipolar disorder is a condition that creates dramatic changes in a person’s mood, energy levels, and activity levels. This change could happen a couple of times a year, or it could happen on a weekly basis. Every case of bipolar disorder is a little different with regards to what a person experiences during his or her “high” and “low” times. There are also variations in how long each mood lasts or what triggers a shift from one mood to the next.
Causes Of Bipolar Disorder
The direct cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. Many patients who experience bipolar symptoms have imbalances in the neurotransmitters in their brains (the chemicals that communicate information between the brain and the body). Scientists have noted physical changes within the brains of people with bipolar disorder, but they have not found the causes of those changes at this time.
Researchers also believe that genetics may play a role in the development of bipolar disorder. Patients with a bipolar first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, are more likely to have bipolar disorder than those without a family history of it. Nevertheless, there is no information at this time as to which genes specifically play a role in creating this condition.
Signs Of Bipolar Disorder
The signs of bipolar disorder are associated with the depressive and manic episodes one may experience with this condition. During a manic episode, a patient may feel unusually talkative, overly alert, easily distracted, and uncharacteristically conceited. During a depressive episode, a patient may experience suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, extreme weight changes, fatigue/insomnia, and an inability to concentrate. As we mentioned above, the shift between these moods can occur several times a week, a month, or a year, depending on the severity of the bipolar disorder.
Getting Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder
There are several ways to diagnose bipolar disorder. Most commonly, a patient will go through psychological testing here at our Metro Detroit counseling centers. This may include speaking with one of our bipolar disorder therapists or completing a questionnaire for one of them to evaluate. You may also go through a physical exam or medical testing with your primary care provider to look for any underlying causes of your symptoms. Furthermore, we may ask you to complete a mood chart to record your symptoms and feelings throughout the day. All of this information is compiled to determine if you do in fact have bipolar disorder.
If you do not have bipolar disorder, our mental health experts will still work with you to figure out why you’re experiencing your current symptoms and what we can do to treat the issue. Here at Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers, we have over 30 therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists on hand, all specializing in a specific area of mental health and behavioral development. We will match you with the perfect therapist for your unique needs so you can get to a better quality of life.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment In Michigan
Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers offer individualized bipolar disorder treatment in Michigan at two convenient locations in Metro Detroit. After your psychological evaluation, you will work closely with a counselor or therapist to create a personalized treatment plan just for you. This may involve individual counseling sessions, at-home exercises, mood stabilization techniques, and more. To learn more about the bipolar treatment options available for you, contact us at (248) 244-8644 to schedule an appointment.