Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity levels. I specialize in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of bipolar disorder, providing personalized treatment plans to help individuals achieve mood stability, improve their quality of life, and enhance overall well-being.
Symptoms
- Episodes of mania: Elevated mood, increased energy levels, racing thoughts, impulsivity, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, and engagement in high-risk activities.
- Episodes of depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.
- Mood swings: Rapid shifts between manic and depressive episodes, often with periods of normal mood in between.
- Irritability and agitation: Easily provoked, restlessness, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli.
- Cognitive and behavioral changes: Difficulty with decision-making, impaired judgment, poor impulse control, excessive spending or risky behaviors during manic episodes, and social withdrawal during depressive episodes.
- Disrupted sleep patterns: Insomnia or hypersomnia, often associated with specific mood episodes.
Causes
- Genetic factors: Bipolar disorder has a significant genetic component, with a higher likelihood of developing the condition if a close family member has been diagnosed.
- Chemical imbalances: Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly involving serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are believed to play a role in the development of bipolar disorder.
- Structural and functional brain abnormalities: Brain imaging studies have identified differences in the structure and activity of certain brain regions in individuals with bipolar disorder, suggesting a neurological basis for the condition.
- Environmental factors: Stressful life events, such as trauma, loss, or significant life changes, can trigger the onset or exacerbation of bipolar symptoms.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse, particularly stimulant or psychoactive drug use, can contribute to the development or worsening of bipolar disorder symptoms.
Treatment
Preston Eyerman, PMNHP, provides offer comprehensive treatment methods for bipolar disorder to help individuals achieve stability and improve their quality of life. My treatment approach includes a combination of medication management, psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and personalized care plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Through our telehealth platform, clients have the convenience of meeting with me from the comfort of their own homes while receiving the highest standard of care for their bipolar disorder.
