Bipolar Disorder

Diagnosis and Treatment

Are you struggling with intense mood changes?

Do you need therapeutic support to manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar Disorder can be treated with medication, psychological therapy and lifestyle changes. Working with an experienced psychologist, you can learn to identify and manage your symptoms, reduce the risk of relapse and improve your overall wellbeing.

Getting Started is Simple

1. Make an Appointment

Discuss your challenges with a psychologist. Together, you will develop a personalised treatment plan to achieve your goals.

2. Commence Therapy

Psychological evidence-based methods such as CBT Therapy can help you prevent the risk of relapse and cope with stressors that can trigger an episode.

3. Experience the Benefits

Experience the benefits of therapy to treat Bipolar Disorder, including enhanced understanding, coping skills, and long-term wellbeing.

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How Treatment Can Help You

An accurate Bipolar Disorder assessment aids in developing individualised treatment plans and strategies to help individuals reach their full potential. Therapy with an experienced psychologist can help you:

Enhance your understanding of Bipolar Disorder
Improve mood stability
Better manage stress
Cultivate stronger relationships
Increase your overall wellbeing.

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How Bipolar Disorder Can Affect You

Psychologically

Psychologically, you can experience extreme mood swings between manic and depressive episodes, difficulty concentrating during manic episodes, feeling worthlessness and having suicidal thoughts during depressive episodes and potentially developing psychosis.
Behaviourally

During manic episodes, you may experience impulsivity and engage in risky behaviours such as including excessive spending and substance abuse. During depressive episodes, you may socially withdraw and lose interest in social activities. Overall, you can experience difficulty maintaining relationships (family, friends, work) or maintaining consistent academic performance.
Physically

Physically, you may experience sleep issues such as insomnia during manic episodes and excessive sleep during depressive episodes, increased energy during mania and excessive fatigue during depression, and changes in appetite and weight. Other health problems can potentially develop as complications.

FAQs About Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a long-term or chronic mental health condition. It often develops during the teenage years or early adulthood. Individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder experience extreme mood swings, also called episodes, that significantly disrupt their daily life. Bipolar Disorder episodes alternate between

Manic or hypomanic episodes (feelings of euphoria and extreme highs) and hypomania (a less severe form of mania)
Depressive episodes (feelings of low mood, hopelessness and sadness).

What are the types of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is classified into different types depending on the nature and severity of mood episodes. Understanding the different types is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment as each type of Bipolar Disorder requires a tailored approach to management and care.

1. Bipolar I Disorder

Includes extreme, long-lasting manic episodes and depressive episodes
It may involve psychosis (difficulty distinguishing reality)

2. Bipolar II Disorder

Includes less extreme highs (hypomania) and depressive episodes
Periods of normal mood between episodes

3. Cyclothymic Disorder

It is considered a milder form of bipolar disorder, causing less severe mood changes. It, however, still impacts an individual’s daily functioning.

What are the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder vary between manic and depressive episodes. Manic episode symptoms may include increased energy, euphoria, racing thoughts, and risky behaviours. Depressive symptoms can include low mood, loss of interest in activities, and changes in sleep patterns, among others.

What does Bipolar Disorder treatment look like?

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder may include the following:

Medication: prescribed by a doctor, including mood stabilisers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
Psychological Therapy: with a qualified therapist, including evidence-based methods such as CBT Therapy.
Behavioural and Lifestyle Changes: regular sleep schedule, stress management, avoiding triggers.

What are the complications of Bipolar Disorder if left untreated?

Bipolar disorder, when left untreated, can have significant impacts on an individual’s life, health and overall wellbeing.

Prolonged depressive episodes may last up to 12 months, while manic episodes can persist for up to 6 months if left untreated.

Untreated Bipolar Disorder can lead to a higher risk of other issues, including substance abuse disorder, anxiety, unhealthy weight management, suicidal thoughts, and other serious physical and medical conditions.

Finding the Right Psychologist to Help You with Bipolar Disorder

Despite the challenges, it is important to remember that with proper treatment and support, most individuals with Bipolar Disorder can lead productive and fulfilling lives. Early intervention and consistent management are key to achieving positive outcomes.

Psychological and behavioural therapy is available and offered by qualified psychologists in private practice. Find a Psychologist >

Psychological therapy is generally delivered through individual counselling sessions and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Many psychologists who offer treatment for Bipolar Disorder also have experience working with a range of disorders, including anxiety and depression, among others.

You can find a psychologist online and contact them to learn about their experience, fees and availability. You can also ask for a referral from your GP or psychiatrist. It is essential to ensure that the psychologist you choose is experienced in treating Bipolar Disorder and understands the condition well.

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Send a request to a psychologist by completing the form below.

Sources

Brain and Behaviour Research Foundation – https://bbrfoundation.org/faq/frequently-asked-questions-about-bipolar-disorder

Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bipolar-disorder

PsychCentral – https://psychcentral.com/bipolar/faq-about-bipolar-disorder

Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955

WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/mental-health-bipolar-disorder

Rethink Mental Ilness – https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-conditions/bipolar-disorder/

Bipolar Disorder

Are you struggling with intense mood changes?

Getting Started is Simple

1. Make an Appointment

2. Commence Therapy

3. Experience the Benefits

How Treatment Can Help You

How Bipolar Disorder Can Affect You

FAQs About Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

What are the types of Bipolar Disorder?

1. Bipolar I Disorder

2. Bipolar II Disorder

3. Cyclothymic Disorder

What are the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

What does Bipolar Disorder treatment look like?

What are the complications of Bipolar Disorder if left untreated?

Finding the Right Psychologist to Help You with Bipolar Disorder

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

FIND A PSYCHOLOGIST

ASSESSMENTS & THERAPIES

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