Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

Dr. Hege, Atlanta psychiatrist, answers questions about treatments for bipolar disorder. If you suffer from Bipolar Disorder and are seeking some answers or treatment, contact Dr. Hege today.

Do I have Bipolar Disorder?

You only need to have one hypomanic episode in your life to have a mild bipolar disorder. What is a hypomanic episode? A hypomanic episode is a period of at least two days of hypomanic symptoms. Hypomanic symptoms are a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, hyperactivity, and increased speed or amount of speech. Decreased need for sleep is needing less than four hours of sleep per night without feeling reduced energy or lowered mood the following day. Racing thoughts are accelerated and the amount of thoughts increased . Hyperactivity is increased amount of activities or speed of motion. People tend to become more reckless during a hypomanic episode. This may be expressed by spending sprees, hypersexuality/promiscuity, driving more aggressively or speeding, being more aggressive interpersonally, or beginning or increasing amounts of alcohol or drug abuse. A manic episode is a more severe state than a hypomanic episode. The symptoms are worse and last at least a week.

If I am only bothered by depression and like my hypomanic episodes, why does my psychiatrist need to know that I have had a hypomanic episode?

If your bipolar depression is treated with a typical antidepressant, it may cause you to have a more severe hypermanic episode or cause rapid cycling. Rapid cycling is swinging more frequently between hypomanic episodes and depression states. Bipolar depression specific antidepressants not only are more apt to help your depression, but they are also less apt to cause a manic swing or rapid cycling.

Answers To More Questions About Bipolar Disorder

Why hire a psychiatrist to help me manage my bipolar disorder?

Maximal stability of mood gives greater stability and gratification in family, personal, and professional relationships–providing the foundation for occupational, business, financial, and creative success. The more time you spend in the distorted world of your irrational pessimism, self doubting, and depression; or overly optimistic, ego-inflated, offensive brash hypermania; the more consequent pain you inevitably face.

If you’re seeking treatments for bipolar disorder, call Dr. Hege today for the expertise and relief you need!