Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves mood and energy level swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. When living with bipolar disorder, it’s a challenge to keep your balance. If you’re living with this chronic mental health condition, work with Claudia Porter, APRN, PMHNP-BC, at Porter Elite Care Services of Stuart, Florida, to manage and stabilize your symptoms. Schedule your appointment with Claudia online or over the phone today and get started with treatment and support for bipolar disorder.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness. People with bipolar disorder experience two types of mood and mental health dysregulation extremes — cyclical manic episodes and depressive episodes.

There are several types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I: intense manic phases lasting at least a week, alternating with depressive episodes lasting as long as two weeks
• Bipolar II: depressive episodes alternating with less-intense hypomanic periods
• Cyclothymic disorder: less-intense recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms

Some people have rapid-cycling bipolar, with four or more manic or depressive periods within a year.

What are manic and depressive episodes?

Both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder involve significant changes in your mood, as well as your energy and activity levels. Both extremes pose challenges in terms of keeping your daily life, health, and wellness balanced.

Manic episodes

During a manic episode, your energy feels boundless, and your mood is elevated, sometimes unreasonably so. You may be impulsive or irritable during these episodes.

Depressive episodes

Depressive episodes reduce your energy levels significantly and may leave you struggling with extreme low mood, feelings of hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.

Depending on the type of bipolar disorder you’re diagnosed with, you may move back and forth between manic and depressive episodes with different frequencies. 

Some people also experience periods of hypomania, similar to mania, but with less intensity of symptoms, as part of bipolar cycling.

Can bipolar disorder be treated?

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that can’t be cured but can be successfully managed with the right diagnosis and treatment. Your treatment plan for bipolar disorder at Porter Elite Care Services takes the different phases of your condition into account, providing support through depression, mania, and hypomania.

Treatments for bipolar disorder include psychotherapy and medication management. Claudia Porter will help you maintain your treatment without disruption as you handle the ups and downs of your bipolar disorder.

For the treatment and support you need to manage this mental illness, contact Caudia at Porter Elite Care Services today. Schedule your initial consultation appointment to learn more about how you can maintain your balance with bipolar by calling Porter Elite Care Services now, or request an appointment online.