Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar disorder affects nearly six million Americans today. This mood disorder can be challenging, so it’s important to have the expert help of compassionate psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) Dominique Sanders, PhD, PMHNP, at Raelin Bright Wellness. The psychiatric-mental health provider provides psychotherapy and medication management to patients in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, Seattle, Washington, Phoenix and Tuscon, Arizona and Los Angeles, California, so don’t wait to start reclaiming your life. Book an appointment online or call the office to schedule your telepsychiatry visit today!

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. This disorder causes stronger-than-usual emotions (mood episodes).

Types of mood episodes are:

Manic/hypomanic

Manic episodes feature abnormally up, happy, energetic, or irritable moods lasting at least a week. Common symptoms include:

• Needing less sleep
• Speaking faster and more often
• Racing thoughts or rapid topic changes when speaking
• Being easily distracted
• Restlessness
• Increased impulsivity and recklessness

Hypomanic episodes feature the same symptoms as manic episodes but less severe and disruptive. A hypomanic episode lasts four days in a row or more.

Depressive

Depressive episodes last a minimum of two weeks, with multiple symptoms including:

• Severe sadness or despair
• Lack of interest in usual activities
• Feelings of intense self-blame or worthlessness
• Chronic fatigue
• Sleep pattern changes
• Appetite changes
• Either restlessness or slower speech and physical movements
• Poor concentration
• Preoccupation with death (possibly with suicidal ideation)

Depressive episodes are not the same as other forms of depression; bipolar depression has its own unique characteristics.

What are the types of bipolar disorder?

The types of bipolar disorder are:

Bipolar I

Bipolar I features one or more manic episodes. About 10% of people have just one manic episode in their entire life, but most have two or more. 

Some, but not all, people with bipolar I have depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks. Bipolar I mood episodes last an average of 13 weeks.

Bipolar II

Bipolar II features depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes but not manic episodes. Depressive episodes are often longer-lasting and may be more severe than bipolar I. 

If you experience hypomanic and depressive episodes but not as severe as those in bipolar I or II, you might have cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder). 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The gold standard treatment for bipolar disorder combines psychotherapy and medication management. Raelin Bright Wellness offers both through telepsychiatry, giving you complete care from your home. 

Through telepsychiatry video chat on your phone, computer, or tablet, Dominique helps you find episode triggers, learn prevention tactics, and replace unhealthy behaviors with better approaches.

Genetic testing determines what medications can help you manage your bipolar disorder best.

Dominique understands that people with bipolar disorder are often marginalized and misunderstood. She understands, sees and respects you, and is ready to guide you to wellness.

Call the Raelin Bright Wellness office or book your appointment online today.