What You Should Know About Bipolar Disorder

Wondering if you or someone you know has bipolar disorder? Since this mental health condition causes people to go from one extreme to another, it really can get in the way of their being able to fully enjoy their life. Living with bipolar disorder makes one feel extremely happy and full of energy at one moment and then sad and depressed the next. These extreme mood swings can happen daily, weekly or monthly and tend to get in the way of one’s ability to think clearly due to the constant back and forth feelings that they experience. Treatment for those living with this lifelong mental health condition often includes taking medications and going to counseling.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

A counselor is often the first choice amongst those who think they that are living with this mental health condition. An experienced counselor knows how to perform an assessment that can let you know whether or not you indeed have this condition.

The assessment requires you to fill out a questionnaire and then answer some specific questions related to your thoughts and feelings, as well as your overall behavior. A counselor may request additional information from your friends and family in order to acquire more information that can help some come up with a proper diagnosis.

What causes bipolar disorder?

Even though the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not yet known, it is believed to be directly related to biology and genetics. Research shows that people living with bipolar disorder have biological differences in their brains, which is still being explored to this day. Genetics seem to play a role, as research has also determined that when someone has a close relative who has been diagnosed with this mental health condition, their chances of being diagnosed are higher.

How bipolar disorder can affect those diagnosed

When left untreated, bipolar disorder can really lessen one’s overall quality of life. Those diagnosed are often living with other mental and/or physical health conditions that also need treatment. These include but are not limited to anxiety disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, heart disease, headaches, thyroid problems and alcohol or drug problems.

The reason why treatment is so essential is that those affected often feel helpless. In turn, this helplessness can lead to job problems, financial problems, legal problems, bad relationships, drug and alcohol abuse and even suicide attempts.

Need to make an appointment for more information?

Want to find out more specifics about bipolar disorder because you think that you have this mental health condition? Your first step is to make an appointment so that you can be properly diagnosed. Once you are diagnosed, then you can understand the treatment options that are available to you. While counseling is one of the most beneficial treatment options, other options include taking prescribed medications to balance your moods and enrolling in a day treatment program. Know that we care about your good mental health!

Are you considering bipolar disorder counseling in the New York area? Get more information at https://nycpsychiatricassociates.com.

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