Bipolar Disorder Treatment & Therapy
Bipolar Disorder Treatment San Jose & Los Gatos, CA
Treatment for bipolar disorder
Managing Bipolar symptoms can be challenging; however, there are multiple treatment options for patients, including a combination of psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Most patients, adherent to treatment, see a pronounced improvement in their quality of daily living.
Medication – Depending on your symptoms, you may be prescribed one or more medications for bipolar disorder, including antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medication.
Therapy – We will help you create new, healthier behaviors and thought patterns that help you manage your symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Lifestyle changes – Our providers will help you find common-sense lifestyle changes you can make to help you manage your bipolar disorder more effectively. Some lifestyle changes that work well for bipolar disorder patients include establishing routines, nutrition counseling, exercise, and creating healthy sleep habits.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The characteristic symptoms of bipolar disorder include mania, hypomania (a less-severe mania), and depression. Manic and depressive episodes create a cycle in the patient’s life, creating extreme highs and lows that may last days or weeks at a time.
People experiencing a manic episode may feel extremely excited, euphoric, energetic, and impulsive. A person in a manic episode may go on a spending spree, have unprotected sex, or take other dangerous risks.
Depression is the opposite end of the bipolar disorder cycle. When experiencing a depressive episode, a person will likely feel extreme fatigue, sadness, and hopelessness. A person experiencing a depressive episode may sleep for days on end or have thoughts of self-harm.
Tell-tale behaviors that may indicate the presence of bipolar disorder include:
In the manic stage:
- Racing thoughts
- Excessive talking
- Extreme overconfidence
- Difficulty staying focused
- Risk-taking
- Decreased need for sleep
In the depressive stage:
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Hopelessness
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Over- or under-eating
- Trouble with memory and concentration
- Thoughts of self-harm
Gender differences in bipolar disorder symptoms
Bipolar disorder tends to manifest differently in men and women, though both are diagnosed with bipolar disorder in equal numbers.
Bipolar Symptoms in Women:
- Tend to be diagnosed in the 20s and 30s
- Include less-severe episodes of mania
- Include more depressive episodes than manic episodes
- Co-exist with other conditions such as anxiety, obesity, migraines, and thyroid disorders
Bipolar Symptoms in Men:
- Tend to be diagnosed earlier in life, such as in the teenage years and early 20s
- Include more severe manic episodes than in women
- Include acting out during manic episodes
- Lead to substance abuse issues
Ready to take charge of your bipolar disorder?
Schedule your appointment today. Dr. Sarbani Maitra and her team at Lumos Psychiatric Services are here to help you manage your bipolar disorder so you can reach your full potential. To schedule your consultation, just fill out the form below.
Dr. Sarbani Maitra,
MD, Psychiatrist
Meet Dr. Maitra
Sarbani Maitra, MD is a board eligible psychiatrist. She has a Bachelors in Science from Tennessee Technological University in Chemistry leading up to her doctorate of medicine from the American University of the Caribbean Medical School. She then went on to gain clinical experience at Queen’s Hospital (erstwhile Old Church Hospital), London U.K. for a period of three years. She pursued her residency in Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College in Nashville Tennessee after working in research on women’s health issues at the Center of Women’s Health and Research. Dr Maitra has extensive experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings managing patients across the spectrum with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders and patients struggling with substance use disorders. She believes in an integrated approach to mental health which includes the biopsychosocial approach. [Read More]