Bipolar Disorder

More than 2½% of adults in the United States experience the unexpected shifts in mood and energy that come with bipolar disorder. If you suffer intense mood changes that make it hard to function, board-certified nurse practitioner Catherine Donnerstag, NP, at Gladwell LLC, a telehealth-based psychiatric and mental health practice in Renton, Washington, can provide evaluations and evidence-based treatment for your bipolar disorder. Call today or book an appointment online. Telehealth services are available to patients in Maryland and Washington, with an on-site office opening soon in Seattle.

People tell me I’m moody. Could I have bipolar disorder?

Being moody isn’t the same as bipolar disorder. Only a mental health practitioner like Catherine at Gladwell LLC can determine if you have bipolar disorder.

People with bipolar disorder experience intense mood, energy, and behavior changes that last for distinct periods and are called mood episodes. These episodes are categorized as:

Manic or hypomanic episodes

Manic and hypomanic episodes cause an unusually happy mood or extreme irritability. Energy levels are up, and sleeping is difficult.

Manic episodes are more severe than hypomanic ones, can last seven or more days, and sometimes need hospital care.

Depressive episodes

Depressive episodes cause a sad mood and low energy. Movements are slow, and concentration is difficult. Depressive episodes can last several weeks.

What types of bipolar disorder are there?

Bipolar disorder affects everyone differently. Catherine classifies the mood disorder into types based on the severity of the symptoms:

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder is only diagnosed when the patient has had at least one manic episode. People with bipolar I also experience hypomanic and depressive episodes.

It’s not unusual for people with bipolar I disorder to have other mental health conditions like substance use disorder (SUD) or anxiety that intensify the bipolar symptoms.

Bipolar II disorder

People with bipolar II disorder cycle between hypomanic and depressive mood episodes but never have full-on manic episodes. Bipolar II is less severe than bipolar I but is more debilitating because of chronic depression.

Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is an ongoing unstable mood. People with this mood disorder shift between periods of hypomania and mild depression for two years or longer.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

At Gladwell LLC, Catherine diagnoses bipolar disorder after completing an in-depth psychiatric evaluation. She asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical and mental health histories, and family history.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Catherine takes a traditional, evidence-based approach to treating bipolar disorder at Gladwell LLC. Treatment includes:

Medication management

Catherine uses psychiatric medication to stabilize your mood. But it can take time to find the right medication and dose that provides the best relief.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy helps you identify and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that trigger your mood changes.

Lifestyle modifications

Catherine also helps you make lifestyle changes that benefit your physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise, good nutrition, and stress management can improve your overall mood.

Call Gladwell LLC today or schedule an appointment online to get help with your mood changes.