Bipolar Disorder
A comprehensive approach
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.