Bipolar disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting about one in 40 American adults. At Diligence Care Plus in San Bernardino, California, experienced mental health practitioner Tony Akpengbe, DNP, and the team provide complete care for bipolar disorders, including prescription medication, talk therapy, and lifestyle counseling. Call Diligence Care Plus today to make an appointment, or book your visit online.
Do I have bipolar disorder if my mood regularly fluctuates?
Everyone’s mood changes from hour to hour and day to day; it’s a normal part of the human condition. But seeking treatment is essential if you experience extreme highs followed by intense lows that make you lose interest in routine activities.
Bipolar disorder affects everyone differently. For some people, mood swings are rare; for others, they occur every few weeks or months. There’s no cure, but a personalized treatment approach can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Bipolar disorder symptoms fall into two categories mania/hypomania and major depression. Telltale signs include:
Make an appointment at Diligence Care Plus if you routinely experience periods of mania or depression. Since bipolar disorder doesn’t improve on its own, you must take action. The condition can increase your risk of financial, legal, and relationship troubles without treatment.
Your Diligence Care Plus provider asks about your symptoms and completes a physical exam and a psychiatric assessment. They have you complete a comprehensive questionnaire and compare your responses to the criteria for bipolar disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The DSM-5 is considered the gold standard in psychiatric diagnosis. If your provider confirms that you have bipolar disorder, they develop a personalized treatment plan.
At Diligence Care Plus, your provider treats bipolar disorder with a conservative, integrative approach. They might suggest:
Often, a combination of treatments improves your outlook and provides lasting relief. If your symptoms continue or worsen, your provider refers you to a bipolar specialist nearby.
Call Diligence Care Plus today to schedule treatment for bipolar disorder, or book your appointment online.