Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder services offered in Lincoln, NE

People with bipolar disorder experience disruptive and distressing mood swings, transitioning from depression to mania in unpredictable cycles. Highly skilled psychiatrist Ismatt Niazi, MD, and the rest of the team at a1 Family Psychiatry in Lincoln, Nebraska, excel at diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. They use therapy and medication to reduce mood swing severity and give you the coping skills you need. Call a1 Family Psychiatry to arrange a bipolar disorder assessment or schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment online today.

Bipolar Disorder Q & A

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition causing extreme changes in mood, energy, and behavior.

People with bipolar disorder go through periods of feeling very “up” (mania or hypomania) and very “down” (depression). These mood shifts can affect daily life, relationships, and school or work.

Bipolar disorder’s exact cause isn’t known, but it likely involves a mix of genetics and brain chemistry. It often runs in families, but anyone can develop it.

The a1 Family Psychiatry team helps young people and adults manage bipolar disorder’s exhausting and disruptive mood shifts.

What are the signs of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder includes two main mood phases. During a manic phase, you might experience the following:

Feeling overly happy, excited, or energetic
Talking very fast
Jumping from one idea to another
Needing less sleep
Acting impulsively or making risky choices

During bipolar disorder’s depressive phase, you experience contrasting symptoms:

Feeling very sad, tired, or hopeless
Losing interest in things once enjoyed
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Feeling worthless or thinking about death
Self-harm or thoughts of suicide

People with bipolar I disorder (the most severe type) may also experience hallucinations and delusions. Those with bipolar II disorder don’t, but often suffer from intense bouts of depression. Cyclothymia — a milder type of bipolar disorder — causes less severe depression and mania (hypomania).

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

To diagnose bipolar disorder, the a1 Family Psychiatry team starts by talking with you about mood patterns, sleep, behavior, and family history. They may also use questionnaires and other tools to get a full picture.

In young people, mood swings may look like outbursts, irritability, or behavior problems. The a1 Family Psychiatry team carefully evaluates children and teens to understand whether their symptoms are due to bipolar disorder or something else, like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression.

Is there treatment for bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder treatment usually includes:

Medication to help manage mood swings
Therapy to build coping skills and manage stress
Education and support so families better understand the condition

With the right treatment and support, many people with bipolar disorder lead full, successful lives.

If you recognize these symptoms, call the a1 Family Psychiatry office today to arrange a bipolar disorder assessment. You can also book in-person or telemedicine consultations online.