Bipolar Disorder Specialist

OC-Psychiatrist, Inc.

Andrew D Morrow, M.D.

Psychiatrist located in Mission Viejo, CA

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depressive disorder, affects around 2.8% of American adults. If you live with dramatic and disruptive mood swings between mania and depression, contact Andrew Morrow, MD, at OC-Psychiatrist, Inc. in Mission Viejo, California. Dr. Morrow provides personalized treatment plans to reduce your mood swings and improve your impulse control and ability to function in your day-to-day life. Call OC-Psychiatrist, Inc. today or schedule a consultation online for expert bipolar disorder treatment.

949-701-1528

Bipolar Disorder Q & A

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes severe swings between depression and mania. There are several types of bipolar disorder, characterized by the type, intensity, and duration of your symptoms, including Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

Bipolar I: intense manic episodes and periods of depression
Bipolar II: severe depressive episodes and hypomania
Cyclothymic disorder: frequent mood swings between less intense extremes

Everyone experiences a range of moods and can swing between happiness and sadness. Bipolar disorders are different because of the intensity of your moods and the severity of the fluctuations.

With bipolar disorder, your mood changes may or may not be triggered by a life event.

What are the signs of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorders cause manic and depressive symptoms. If you’re in a manic mood, your symptoms could include:

Increased energy
Decreased need for sleep
Feelings of grandiosity
Increased irritability or short temper
Rapid speech
Racing thoughts
Distractibility
Increased activity
Low impulse control and risky behaviors

Bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder can cause hypomanic symptoms. Hypomanic symptoms are less intense versions of the signs of a manic episode.

When you swing to a depressive episode, you’re plagued by feelings of sadness, despair, and guilt. Your energy levels plummet, and your eating and sleeping patterns may change. Your concentration and decision-making skills decline, and you lose interest in hobbies and activities.

Depressive episodes can also trigger suicidal thoughts and other self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. Call 911 or go to your closest emergency room if you have thoughts of suicide.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

At OC-Psychiatrist, Inc., Dr. Morrow offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating bipolar disorders. Depending on your needs, he combines medication with other therapies to stabilize your mood and restore your health and quality of life.

For example, while medication can relieve your mood swings, psychotherapy can help you explore and resolve the thoughts and feelings you experience in manic and depressive episodes. You can also learn and practice impulse control and other behavior modifications.

Dr. Morrow also encourages healthy lifestyle choices and may recommend dietary adjustments and natural supplements to improve your health and mood stability. Exercise can also help with mood regulation, energy levels, and sleep routines.

Call OC-Psychiatrist, Inc. today or make an appointment online if you have concerns about bipolar disorder.

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