Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental disorder that leads to alterations in mood and energy levels that affect a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. Everyone has ups and downs, but these mood changes are pronounced.
When we make a DeKalb, IL evaluation for bipolar disorder, we look for evidence of clear changes in mood during which an individual may go from having abundant energy and signs of mania to feeling depressed. Sometimes these cycles are extreme. At other times, moods can be mixed, so that people suffer the confusing experience of feeling elated but depleted and hopeless at the same time.
One of the reasons that it is important to have a professional diagnosis for bipolar disorder is that it is frequently confused with other disorders. Finding an accurate diagnosis can be tricky and requires patience, non-judgmental observation, and objectivity.
DeKalb, IL Bipolar Diagnosis and Treatment
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, almost 3% of adults in the US live with bipolar disorder. While it can occur in teens and even children, it is more likely to start at around the age of 25. Despite some opinion, the stats confirm that it affects men and women equally.
While someone with bipolar disorder may have distinct states, each may last years. This can make it particularly challenging to identify, as it does not follow the day-to-day roller-coaster that many people expect.
At its most extreme, episodes of bipolar disorder can include symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions that typically mirror a person’s mood, often leading to a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia.
Doing nothing about bipolar disorder and attempting to “cheer up” are generally not solutions. Left untreated, bipolar disorder normally becomes worse. We recommend that anyone who thinks they may have bipolar disorder or anyone who knows someone showing signs of bipolar disorder contact us. Our professionals can identify the condition definitively and provide an effective treatment plan.
With professional help or guidance, many people can live effectively with the condition by following a treatment plan. A treatment plan for bipolar disorder may comprise of lifestyle and health stipulations, including improving regularity with medications, and psychotherapy.
DeKalb, IL Bipolar Screening
There is no definitive, single cause for bipolar disorder. Several factors may contribute to its development. In a bipolar screening, we will consider genetics and stress, among other factors.
Genetics – If you have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder, you are more likely to develop the disorder, too. This is by no means definitive, but genetics is an area that we will consider.
Stress – a stressful event and the way a person handles it is sometimes the trigger for the onset of bipolar disorder. Some of the most stressful events include divorce, financial problems, or a death in the family.
Part of diagnosing bipolar is to rule out conditions with similar symptoms and medications that may have those side effects. During a DeKalb, IL bipolar assessment, our professionals may conduct an interview, order lab tests, and/or perform a physical examination.
DeKalbIL Bipolar Treatment
We will typically help individuals manage bipolar disorder using the following methods:
Psychotherapy – this might take the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and therapy specifically tailored for the individual and his or her needs.
Medications – if our professionals consider it necessary, we may recommend medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.
Lifestyle/health – our approach will also take individual lifestyles into account as health and lifestyle changes can have beneficial results for handling bipolar disorder. Regular routines that include exercise and meditation can work well as part of a treatment strategy.
Assistance with self-management – it’s important to us that we give the people we see the skills they need to manage their lives. This a step we are unlikely to skip. Our professionals can also help people spot an episode early, which can be useful to prevent manic or depressive spirals.
There is no need to continue experiencing frightening and upsetting bipolar disorder symptoms alone. We offer DeKalb, IL bipolar anxiety treatment and bipolar therapy. Our robust team of professionals is ready to listen and is able to help you. We have the tools, techniques, temperament, and time to give what you need and help you manage your life.
Contact us at our DeKalb location by calling us at 847-428-7260. Alternatively, fill out our easy to use contact form and we’ll be back to you as soon as we can.
If you are in or around the area, you are welcome to visit us. Our DeKalb address is 389 Bartlett Plaza Bartlett, IL 60103.
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