Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes rapid shifts in mood. It affects about 2.8% of people in the United States, and most of those with the mood disorder have severe symptoms that affect their daily life. At Faith Integrated Psychiatry in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona, Joy Kwakuyi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, provides comprehensive and holistic treatment for bipolar disorder. For a patient-centered approach to your mental well-being, call the office, or schedule an in-office or telemedicine appointment online today.

Schedule an Appointment Today

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition and mood disorder. People with bipolar disorder cycle between manic and depressive episodes that vary in severity and length.

Manic episodes

During a manic episode, people with bipolar disorder feel elated and full of energy. They have a decreased need for sleep and food. They may also feel jumpy, wired, or irritable.

Depressive episodes

During a depressive episode, people with bipolar disorder feel very low and empty with little energy. They may have a hard time doing simple tasks and sleep more or less than usual.

What are the types of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder symptoms vary in severity. The degree of symptoms determines the bipolar type, which includes:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder is the most severe type. People with bipolar I disorder have severe manic episodes that last seven or more days and require hospitalization. A depressive episode that lasts two or more weeks then follows the manic episode.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder symptoms are less extreme, causing episodes of hypomania and depression. With hypomania you feel elated and “up,” but you don’t have a full manic episode.

Cyclothymia

People with an unstable mood that lasts two or more years have cyclothymia, shifting between episodes of hypomania and mild depression.

What causes bipolar disorder?

Researchers are still investigating what causes someone to develop bipolar disorder, but they theorize it may occur from a combination of factors, including genetics and brain structure and function.

A stressful event, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce, may also trigger the mood changes.

What are my treatment options for bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition and requires ongoing care and support. At Faith Integrated Psychiatry, Dr. Kwakuyi creates a personalized treatment plan after he completes a diagnostic psychiatric evaluation.

Treatment options include:

Medication management

Dr. Kwakuyi prescribes psychiatric medications that improve bipolar disorder symptoms through his medication management service. No single medication works for all, and Dr. Kwakuyi works closely with you to find the right prescription and dose.

Psychotherapy

Dr. Kwakuyi also provides psychotherapy to help you better understand your mood disorder and develop techniques to identify and change problematic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

For an integrative and holistic approach to bipolar disorder, call Faith Integrated Psychiatry, or schedule an appointment online today.

We treat patients for anxiety, depression, social anxiety, panic attack, anxiety attacks, bipolar disorder, and more. We understand there are various types of depression, separation anxiety, and it can be seasonal depression. We are here to help. Call us to book your appointment today.

TRUE HOLISTIC