Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is more than occasional mood swings. It is a medical condition that can cause episodes of depression and periods of elevated, expansive, or unusually irritable mood that affect energy, sleep, judgment, activity level, and daily functioning. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and many individuals spend years being treated for depression or anxiety before bipolar disorder is accurately recognized.

During depressive episodes, you may experience persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of hopelessness, or withdrawing from family and friends. During periods of elevated mood, you may notice needing less sleep while still feeling energetic, racing thoughts, increased confidence, talking more than usual, feeling unusually productive, taking on multiple projects, spending impulsively, engaging in risky behaviors, or feeling more irritable than your usual self. These episodes may be obvious or subtle and often become more recognizable when looking back over time.

Many people worry that receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder means they'll never feel like themselves again or that they'll lose their personality. In reality, the goal of treatment is not to change who you are—it is to reduce the severity and frequency of mood episodes, improve emotional stability, strengthen relationships, and help you function at your best while maintaining the qualities that make you who you are.

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation carefully explores your current symptoms, past mood episodes, family history, medical conditions, sleep patterns, and previous treatment experiences to determine whether bipolar disorder or another mental health condition best explains your symptoms. Because several conditions—including depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, thyroid disorders, and substance use—can share overlapping symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is essential to developing an effective treatment plan.

Treatment is individualized and may include mood-stabilizing medications, supportive psychotherapy, education about early warning signs, sleep and lifestyle strategies, and collaboration with your therapist or other healthcare providers when appropriate. With the right treatment and ongoing support, many people with bipolar disorder lead stable, productive, and fulfilling lives. Secure telepsychiatry appointments are available for adults and older adolescents throughout California.

Schedule an appointment online to learn whether treatment may be right for you.