WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Bipolar disorder causes mood swings between high-energy mania and low-energy depression. Though everyone with this condition experiences mood changes, the severity and frequency of the swings depend on the type of bipolar disorder.

BIPOLAR I DISORDER

Bipolar I disorder causes severe mania and major depression. The manic highs often require hospitalization to help stabilize your mood.

BIPOLAR II DISORDER

This type causes episodes of hypomania and major depression. Hypomania is less severe than full-blown mania, but they share the same symptoms.

CYCLOTHYMIC DISORDER

Cyclothymic disorder causes less severe symptoms than hypomania and major depression. However, you have frequent and rapidly changing mood swings.

WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES BIPOLAR DISORDER CAUSE?

During a manic episode, you may:

• Have excessive energy
• Need little sleep
• Talk rapidly
• Experience racing thoughts
• Have an overblown sense of self-importance
• Engage in risky behaviors (drinking while driving or overspending)

You can also have delusions and hallucinations during a manic episode.

During bipolar depression, you may:

• Lose interest in the activities you enjoy
• Withdraw from friends and family
• Sleep more or less than usual
• Eat more or less than usual
• Have a hard time making decisions
• Feel anxious
• Think about suicide

Depression may also cause headaches, nausea, muscle aches, and other physical symptoms.

HOW IS BIPOLAR DISORDER DIAGNOSED?

In addition to a psychological assessment, Dr. Aruna performs a root cause evaluation. Her evaluation includes a thorough physical exam, as well as an assessment of the gut-brain axis, the gut microbiome, genetics, and hormonal and immune system imbalances.

This integrative approach takes on special importance in bipolar disorder. Studies suggest that people with bipolar disorder have a weak immune system and high levels of inflammation. As a result, they often develop co-occurring medical conditions such as high blood pressure, migraines, hypothyroidism, and Type 2 diabetes.

As a functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Aruna uncovers every aspect of your health and lifestyle that may contribute to bipolar disorder and its associated diseases. Then she creates a tailored plan that treats the whole person.

HOW IS BIPOLAR DISORDER TREATED?

Treatment for bipolar disorder typically relies on psychotherapy together with mood-stabilizing medications. Though Dr. Aruna prescribes psychiatric medications when needed, she prefers to use natural therapies that stabilize your mental health and target underlying health concerns.

In addition to psychotherapy and medications, your treatment may include any of the following:

• Nutritional supplements
• Ayurvedic herbal medicine
• Ayurvedic therapies
• Detoxification techniques
• Relaxation therapy
• Exercise recommendations
• Therapeutic massage
• Insomnia treatments
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
• Alpha-Stim® cranial electrotherapy stimulation

To learn more about an integrative approach to bipolar disorder, call Trinergy Center for Integrative Psychiatry or book an appointment online today.