Bipolar disorder affects about 5 million people in the United States. It affects people of both genders and all races, ethnic groups, and social classes. At Queens Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Psychology, PLLC, in Kew Gardens Hills in Flushing, New York, Benjamin Grysman, PhD, and his providers have experience identifying and treating the symptoms of bipolar disorder and can help you manage the life-long condition. Call the office or use the online booking tool to make an appointment today.
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes unusual and extreme shifts in your mood, energy levels, and ability to do everyday activities. They include periods of extreme highs, also called mania, and lows, called depression, both of which last anywhere from several days to weeks.
Some patients experience these episodes often, others have them a few times a year. In either case, patients with bipolar disorder have difficulty maintaining relationships and holding down a job.
Patients with bipolar disorder experience episodes of unusually extreme emotions and behaviors called mania, hypomania (a less severe level of mania), and depression.
If you’re experiencing a period of mania, you may have symptoms like:
If you’re in a depressive episode, you may have symptoms like:
Severe cases of bipolar disorder are also accompanied by psychosis-like delusions and hallucinations. Many patients with bipolar disorder also have other illnesses like anxiety disorder, substance abuse, or an eating disorder.
While bipolar disorder is a life-long condition, the practice can help you gain control over your mood swings and accompanying symptoms. An effective treatment plan usually combines medication and psychotherapy sessions.
At the practice, your therapist uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to educate you about your bipolar disorder and help you recognize the warning signs of oncoming episodes. CBT also teaches you coping strategies to manage the effects of your extreme moods and to take constructive action in the face of either your mania or depression.
The practice coordinates your therapy sessions with a psychiatrist who provides medication to manage your symptoms. The staff also helps you communicate the positive and negative effects of your medication so your psychiatrist can adjust your dosage as needed.
To learn more about the various ways CBT and Queens Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Psychology, PLLC, can help you manage your bipolar disorder, call the office today or use the online booking tool to make an appointment.