Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition, and Dr. Benjamin E. Lippmann provides care for patients with bipolar disorder across Lakeland. We use modern bipolar disorder treatments and medications to help our patients manage their mental health. If bipolar disorder is making it difficult to live your life, schedule an appointment online today.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These changes can result in manic episodes (highs), depressive episodes (lows), or a combination of both. If you are suffering from bipolar disorder, seek bipolar treatment from a psychiatrist as soon as possible.
Types of Bipolar Disorders
There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.
Bipolar I is characterized by at least one manic episode followed by a depressive episode. Bipolar II is similar, but the manic episodes are less severe (hypomania) rather than full-blown mania. Cyclothymic disorder can be quite debilitating, but involves highs that do not meet criteria for mania, and lows that do not meet criteria for major depression.
Mania and Hypomania
Mania is a period of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity levels. Symptoms may include decreased need for sleep, grandiose thinking, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, irritability, and poor judgment. These episodes cause a significant decline in daily function. A manic episode requires treatment and can last for weeks or even months. Hypomania is similar to mania with less impact on function.
Depressive Episodes
Depressive episodes can cause intense sadness, hopelessness, and pessimism. Symptoms may include changes in appetite and weight, fatigue, insomnia or oversleeping, restlessness or lethargy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. A depressive episode usually lasts for at least two weeks. If you’re looking for depression help, schedule an appointment today.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to bipolar disorder treatment, but Dr. Benjamin E. Lippmann uses a variety of medications and therapies to help our patients manage their mental health. Some common treatments include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, we can help. Schedule an appointment online today.
When To Get Emergency Help
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are common symptoms for people with bipolar disorder. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
Dr. Lippmann offers psychiatric services that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. He has extensive experience treating all types of depression and will work with you to find the right treatment plan. Book your appointment today!
