Bipolar Disorder

Suburban Behavioral Health Services

Board Certified Psychiatrists & Behavioral Counselors located in Wheaton, IL & Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes rapid shifts in mood that alter behavior and thinking. Though the severity of bipolar disorder differs from person to person, when left untreated, the condition worsens. At Suburban Behavioral Health Services in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, board-certified psychiatrist Mazhar Golewale, MD, and the experienced team of therapists take a holistic approach to the management of bipolar disorder. They offer comprehensive care and innovative therapies to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book online today.

Bipolar Disorder Q & A

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression, is a lifelong mental illness that causes extreme mood swings that cycle between emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The mood swings may occur frequently or only a few times a year.

The changes in your mood may affect your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

What are bipolar disorder symptoms?

Mania, hypomania, and depression are the primary symptoms of bipolar disorder. The severity and frequency of these symptoms vary. 

Mania and hypomania

Mania and hypomania are the emotional highs a person with bipolar disorder experiences. Mania is more extreme than hypomania and may lead to a break in reality (psychosis) and require hospitalization. 

Common mania and hypomania symptoms include being abnormally upbeat, increased activity, racing thoughts, and euphoria.

Depression

During a major depressive episode, a person with bipolar disorder experiences feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and indifference. 

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder is most often diagnosed during early adulthood. However, the mental illness can occur in children. Suburban Behavioral Health Services provides mental health care for patients of all ages, including children, teens, and adults.

At Suburban Behavioral Health Services, your mental health expert conducts a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. They use a bipolar disorder rating scale to determine the severity of your symptoms and your bipolar disorder type. 

The bipolar disorder types include:

  • Bipolar I disorder — severe mania and depression
  • Bipolar II disorder — hypomania and depression
  • Cyclothymic disorder — episodes of hypomania and depression 

Your provider at Suburban Behavioral Health Services uses Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to determine the most accurate diagnosis to explain your symptoms. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Suburban Behavioral Health Services takes a holistic and comprehensive approach to the treatment of bipolar disorder. Your treatment plan may include a combination of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy. 

The team also emphasizes a healthy lifestyle to improve outcomes and offers social rhythm therapy, which is a form of therapy that helps you create a health-promoting routine to regulate your mood. 

Suburban Behavioral Health Services is dedicated to the psychiatric profession and trains students from local universities who may be present during your consultation or follow-up therapy sessions.

Bipolar disorder is a serious, long-term mental illness that requires ongoing care to help maintain mood and quality of life. 

For a holistic approach to your mental health and wellness, call Suburban Behavioral Health Services or book a consultation online today. Telemedicine appointments are also available.