Bipolar Disorder

Adventist Health offers professional treatment options for individuals suffering from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a medical illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy and functioning.

These changes may be subtle or dramatic. They typically vary over the course of a person's life. More than 10 million people in the U.S. have bipolar disorder. The disorder affects men and women equally. It is a chronic, life-long condition with recurring episodes of mania and depression that can last for days, even months. Bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder include:

• Either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood
• Increased physical and mental activity and energy
• Racing thoughts and flights of ideas
• Increased talking, more rapid speech than normal
• Ambitious, often grandiose plans
• Risk taking
• Impulsive activity such as spending sprees, sexual indiscretion and alcohol abuse
• Decreased sleep without experiencing fatigue

When several symptoms of mania occur at a time, last longer than two weeks and interfere with normal function, social activities or relationships with others, professional treatment is needed.

If you feel the above situation describes you, call(818) 409-8347to speak to one of our trained mental health professionals.