Bipolar Disorder

The unexpected shifts in mood and energy that occur in people with bipolar disorder during a mood episode can completely disrupt their normal routine. Wendy Ann Reiss, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a psychiatry practitioner in Bloomsbury, New Jersey, who provides compassionate and comprehensive care for people with bipolar disorder. Wendy is attentive and responsive, making sure you get the guidance you need to achieve your mental wellness goals. Call today or schedule an in-office or telepsychiatry appointment using the online booking button.

What are mood swings like with bipolar disorder?

Mood swings with bipolar disorder are extreme and unexpected. They affect how you feel, think, and act around others. These mood swings, medically called mood episodes, also affect energy and sleep and include:

Manic episodes

During a manic episode, you feel happy, excited, and euphoric, and you're so full of energy you can’t sleep. You feel like you can do anything. However, the euphoric feelings are hard to control, quickly escalating to irritability and anger. 

Manic episodes may last up to a week. 

Depressive episodes

During a depressive episode, your mood and energy are low. You feel worthless, hopeless, and empty. All you want to do is sleep. 

Depressive episodes usually last more than two weeks. 

My sibling has bipolar disorder. Am I at risk?

Genetics is one of the risk factors for bipolar disorder, but a close relative with bipolar disorder is not the only risk factor. Trauma and misuse of drugs or alcohol may also put you at risk of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder symptoms usually appear during late adolescence or early adulthood. But you can develop bipolar disorder at any age.

What are the types of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder affects everyone differently. Wendy classifies bipolar disorder into types based on the severity of symptoms.

Types include:

Bipolar I disorder

For a bipolar I disorder diagnosis, you must have a history of at least one manic episode that lasts seven or more days or requires hospital care. You also have depressive and hypomanic mood episodes.

Hypomanic episodes are less severe than manic episodes and last no more than four days.

Bipolar II disorder

People with bipolar II disorder have depressive and hypomanic mood episodes, along with periods of a normal mood. 

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a chronic mood disorder in which a person fluctuates between mild depressive and hypomanic episodes for two or more years, with very few periods of stable moods. 

What treatments help manage bipolar disorder?

Wendy completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation at your first meeting to fully understand your mental well-being and determine your diagnosis. She uses the information to customize a bipolar disorder care plan that works best for you, which may include:

• Medication management
• Talk therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Lifestyle modifications (stress management, regular exercise, good nutrition)

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that needs long-term medical management. 

For compassionate care focused on healing, call Wendy Ann Reiss, MSN, PMHNP-BC, or book an appointment online today.