Bipolar Disorder Specialist
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Alliance Behavioral Psychiatry
Outpatient Psychiatric Mental Health Clinic located in Near University Mall, Orem, UT & Lehi, UT
Both the manic episodes and depressive episodes that come with bipolar disorder can have an impact on your well-being, and both types can influence your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Alliance Behavioral Psychiatry in Orem and Lehi, Utah, provides individualized treatment for bipolar disorder in adolescents and adults. To schedule your initial evaluation, request an appointment over the phone or through the contact form on the New Patients page.
Bipolar Disorder Q&A
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes dramatic mood changes. The disorder brings episodes of depression coupled with episodes of mania or hypomania, which is a less intense type of mania.
Depressive symptoms are similar to major depression, while symptoms of mania are characterized by high energy, impulsiveness, and inflated self-esteem.
If you have bipolar disorder, you might go for long periods of time with neither manic nor depressive episodes. Still, an episode can set in at any time. Either type can be disruptive to your sleep, professional life, and social relationships in different ways.
Fortunately, modern psychiatry offers options for bipolar disorder management. Your providers at Alliance Behavioral Psychiatry take the time to assess you and make an accurate diagnosis. They then personalize your treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder symptoms come in two distinct sets: depressive and manic or hypomanic. Here’s what you might expect from each type of episode:
Depressive episodes
During a depressive episode, you might feel sad, hopeless, or fatigued. Severe episodes of depression might also come with suicidal thoughts.
Manic or hypomanic episodes
Manic or hypomanic episodes cause increased energy, confidence, distractibility, and poor decision-making. A severe episode of mania can trigger psychosis, which requires hospitalization.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
To manage your bipolar disorder, your providers at Alliance Behavioral Psychiatry start with a 90-minute initial appointment. Each follow-up visit after that is typically 30 minutes but can last for up to an hour. These visits may involve medication management and psychotherapy.
Medications for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers and antidepressants. As with any prescription medication, you should use them according to your provider’s exact instructions. You should also be sure to report any concerns or adverse effects.
Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helps you change your negative thoughts and learn the skills you need to manage your symptoms. Your providers can also make recommendations for changes you can make to your routine that might help you manage or avoid episodic symptoms.
To learn more about bipolar disorder and explore your options for treatment, call Alliance Behavioral Psychiatry or book an appointment online today (coming soon).
