Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes unpredictable mood swings that may cause severe or mild symptoms, depending on the type. At Ismail MD PA, psychiatrist Saiqa Ismail, MD, offers comprehensive care for bipolar disorder, including a thorough psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis and customized treatments. With treatment, you can regain a stable and successful life. Call the office in Coral Springs, Florida, or use online booking today to request an in-person or telehealth appointment.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder arises from a brain condition that causes swings in mood and energy. However, symptoms depend on the type of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder causes full-blown manic episodes and major depression. High-energy mania lasts seven days or is severe enough to need hospitalization.

Bipolar II disorder

People with bipolar II disorder experience episodes of hypomania and major depression. Hypomania causes less severe symptoms than full-blown mania, allowing most people to keep up with daily responsibilities.

Cyclothymic disorder

This type of bipolar disorder causes frequent manic and depressive mood swings. Though moods may change rapidly, symptoms are less severe than hypomania or major depression. 

What symptoms does bipolar disorder cause?

During periods of mania, you may:

• Have excessive energy
• Need little sleep (and still have high energy)
• Talk rapidly
• Have racing thoughts
• Work on multiple projects at once
• Engage in risky behaviors (reckless driving or spending too much money)

You may also have delusions and hallucinations. If you have delusions, you believe something is real despite evidence it isn’t. Hallucinations occur when you see, hear, smell, or feel something that isn’t real.

During periods of major depression, you may: 

• Lose interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Feel hopeless, sad, and worthless
• Withdraw from your family and friends
• Sleep more or less than usual
• Eat more or less than usual
• Have a hard time focusing or making decisions
• Think about or attempt suicide

You may also develop physical symptoms that can’t be explained by an underlying health condition. For example, depression frequently causes muscle aches, headaches, and chronic pain. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Treatment for bipolar disorder typically combines medication and therapy. Mood-stabilizing medications prevent manic-depressive swings, while psychotherapy (talk therapy) minimizes bipolar disorder’s impact on your life.

You can overcome bipolar disorder with support and therapy at Ismail MD PA. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.

Dr. Ismail is an experienced psychiatrist that treats patients for ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder and more. Call us to book your appointment today.