Bipolar Disorder

Approximately 2.8% of adults in the United States live with bipolar disorder each year, and the majority of those cases are classified as severe. If your condition is affecting your quality of life, visit Haresh Tharwani, MD, DFAPA, and the team at MD Psychiatry & Emotional Health, PLLC. At their offices in Durham and Cary, North Carolina, the team offers treatment for bipolar disorder. To benefit from their expertise in bipolar disorder, call MD Psychiatry & Emotional Health, PLLC, today or book an in-person or telehealth appointment online.

What is bipolar disorder?

Formerly called manic depression, bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, and the ability to think clearly. Symptoms of bipolar disorder occur in distinct periods called episodes. 

A manic episode is a high state of mood and activity, while a depressive episode involves low energy and feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Different types of bipolar disorders involve various patterns of manic and depressive episodes. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of bipolar disorder you have. Different types of bipolar and related disorders include:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I involves manic episodes that last one week or longer, or are so severe that immediate hospitalization is necessary. People in manic states often act impulsively and may make dangerous decisions or take unusual risks. A manic episode may include psychosis or a disconnection from reality. 

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is milder than full-blown mania and doesn’t involve psychosis. Many people function well at work and social situations during a hypomanic episode, but they may be unusually talkative and jump quickly from one subject to the next.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder causes periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years but don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I or Bipolar II.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder can cause major problems with work, school, and personal relationships. But the team at MD Psychiatry & Emotional Health, PLLC can help you manage your symptoms so you can lead a happy and productive life. 

First, your provider performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine the type and severity of your bipolar disorder. Then, they develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication management, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or a combination of both. Your provider may also recommend transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy if other treatments prove ineffective.

To learn more about managing bipolar disorder, call MD Psychiatry & Emotional Health, PLLC, today or schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment online.