Bipolar and Related Disorders in Dallas TX
At Glimmer of Hope Behavioral Health Services in Dallas, TX, we believe in a comprehensive approach to understanding and caring for Bipolar and related disorders.
Together, we’ll explore the complexities of the bipolar spectrum, uncover its layers, and embark on a journey toward holistic wellness.
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. These mood swings include episodes of depression, where individuals may feel sad, hopeless, and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
On the opposite end, there are manic episodes, where individuals experience an overly elevated mood, high energy, or irritability, often leading to risky behaviors. In some cases, there may be hypomanic episodes, which are less intense than full-blown mania but still involve noticeable changes in energy and mood.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Types of Bipolar Disorder in Dallas, TX
Bipolar I
At least one manic episode, possibly with depressive or hypomanic episodes.
Bipolar II
Depressive episodes with hypomanic episodes, no full-blown mania.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Milder, ongoing mood swings lasting at least two years.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Dallas, TX
Symptoms vary but include manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes.
Mania and hypomania are two distinct types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more noticeable problems at work, school and social activities, as well as relationship difficulties. Mania may also trigger a break from reality (psychosis) and require hospitalization.
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Decreased Sleep: Not just reduced hours, but a diminished need for sleep. An individual might feel extremely energized even after just a couple of hours of rest.
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Elevated Self-Esteem: This can escalate to a level of grandiosity, where one might feel invincible or possess special powers or abilities.
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Rapid Speech or Racing Thoughts: A whirlwind of ideas or thoughts, making it hard to focus on just one. Conversations might jump erratically between topics.
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Increased Distractibility: Easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant stimuli, which might lead to unfinished tasks.
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Engaging in Risky Behaviors: This includes extravagant shopping sprees, reckless driving, making impulsive decisions, or having unsafe sex.
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Overactivity: Increased energy leading to hyperactivity, trying to take on multiple tasks at once, or pursuing grand and unrealistic projects.
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A major depressive episode includes symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable difficulty in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships. An episode includes five or more of these symptoms:
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Prolonged Sadness or Despair: A constant feeling of hopelessness that affects daily functioning.
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Suicidal Thoughts or Feelings: Pondering on death, making actual plans, or even attempting suicide.
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Fatigue and Lethargy: A draining lack of energy where even minor tasks feel monumental.
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Disturbed Sleep and Appetite: This can be manifested as insomnia or oversleeping, as well as overeating or loss of appetite.
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Difficulty Concentrating: Challenges in focusing, making decisions, or recalling details.
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Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Harboring a negative view of oneself, ruminating over past mistakes, or blaming oneself for events outside of one's control.
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Physical Symptoms: Unexplained aches, pains, or digestive problems that don't relent even with treatment.
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Mixed or Rapid Cycling: Fast mood changes.
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Seasonal Changes: Symptoms vary with seasons.
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Pregnancy: Bipolar symptoms can change during pregnancy.
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Severe Mood Swings: Rapid shifts in mood.
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Distinct Episodes: Clear episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression.
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Causes of Bipolar Disorder and Risk Factors in Dallas, TX
Bipolar disorder has various causes and risk factors:
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Genetic Predisposition: Family history increases risk.
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Neurological Factors: Brain structure and function irregularities.
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Environmental Triggers: Trauma, major life changes, stress, and substance abuse.
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Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with thyroid or adrenal glands.
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Medications and Drugs: Misuse of drugs or certain prescriptions.
Understanding these factors is key to managing bipolar disorder effectively.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Dallas, TX
Bipolar disorder is manageable with the holistic treatments offered at Glimmer of Hope Behavioral Health Services. Our approach includes a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adaptations.
Medications such as mood stabilizers (like lithium, valproate, and lamotrigine), antipsychotics (such as olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine), and antidepressants (often paired with mood stabilizers for depressive episodes) are carefully selected to suit your needs.
For anxiety and sleep improvement, short-term use of anti-anxiety medications may be recommended. In addition to medication, psychotherapy plays a crucial role in treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps in changing negative thought patterns, while Family-Focused Therapy involves family members to provide better support. Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy aims to stabilize daily routines and relationships, and psychoeducation teaches patients to recognize early signs of mood swings.
We also emphasize the importance of lifestyle adaptations, such as maintaining regular sleep patterns, managing stress through techniques like meditation and journaling, and engaging in regular physical activity to help stabilize mood.
You don’t have to face Bipolar and Related Disorders alone. With our convenient telehealth services, you can receive personalized, compassionate care from the comfort of your home. Contact us today to get the support tailored to your needs.