Bipolar Disorder

General Psychiatrist located in Miledgeville and Macon, GA

Bipolar Disorder services offered in Miledgeville and Macon, GA

Bipolar disorder is known for mood swings between high-energy mania and low-energy depression, but your symptoms can be mild or severe and the swings may come frequently or rarely. No matter what symptoms you experience, Ronnie Blount, MD, in Milledgeville and Macon, Georgia, provides comprehensive care, including mood stabilizing medication and supportive therapy. Don’t wait to start treatment that restores stability and improves your quality of life. Call the nearest office or connect online today.

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Bipolar Disorder Q&A

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes shifts in your mood and energy levels. The severity, frequency, and length of each mood episode depend on the type of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder, originally called manic-depressive disorder, causes episodes of major depression and mania. Manic episodes last at least one week, and they’re often so severe that you need hospitalization to restore a balanced mood. Most people have a neutral period between their mood swings.

Bipolar II disorder

If you have bipolar II disorder, you have major depression and hypomania. Hypomania causes the same symptoms as mania, but they’re milder and seldom interfere with your ability to take care of daily life.

Cyclothymic disorder

This type of bipolar disorder causes frequent mood swings that continue for at least two years. Even though cyclothymic disorder causes many mood episodes, your symptoms are less severe than hypomania and major depression.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Manic episodes cause symptoms such as:

Being constantly active
Needing little sleep
Having racing thoughts
Talking rapidly and switching topics
Feeling highly energized (despite lacking sleep)
Engaging in risky behaviors (like spending sprees or driving while drinking)

Some people have delusions and hallucinations during manic episodes.

Major depression causes symptoms such as:

Feeling sad and hopeless
Having no interest in favorite activities
Isolating yourself from family and friends
Eating too much or too little (and gaining or losing weight)
Struggling to make decisions
Feeling anxious and restless
Thinking about suicide

You can also have mania and depression at the same time.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

During your first meeting, Dr. Blount talks with you about your symptoms and concerns and then completes a psychiatric evaluation. After identifying the type of bipolar disorder, he creates a treatment plan that includes medication and therapy.

Mood stabilizing medication is essential for bipolar disorder. During therapy, you learn the skills you need to cope with the many challenges caused by bipolar disorder. For example, you may need help with communication or socialization skills.

Many people with bipolar disorder have sleep problems, a challenge that’s often overcome with therapy. Additionally, you may learn to recognize signs of an upcoming mood swing and get ideas for how to prevent it.

You can keep bipolar well controlled with skilled treatment from Ronnie Blount, MD. To schedule an appointment, call the office or connect online today.