Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a condition that can affect your mood, making it swing from one extreme to another. If you are suffering from bipolar disorder you will have episodes of depression during which you feel low and lethargic, alternating with episodes of mania during which you feel high and overactive.

 

Symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on which mood you are experiencing at the time. Unlike mood swings, in bipolar disorder, each mood can last for several weeks with some people rarely experiencing a ‘normal’ or ordinary mood.

Bipolar disorder symptoms

Symptoms of a depressed phase:

  • Sadness
  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Excessive guilt
  • Suicidal thoughts and urges

Symptoms of a depressed phase:

  • Increased energy
  • Unusual talkativeness
  • Racing thoughts
  • Little need for sleep
  • Inflated self-esteem
  • Spending sprees

There are two different types of bipolar disorder, bipolar I and bipolar II. The main difference between them is that a person with bipolar I has manic episodes, while someone with bipolar II has hypomanic episodes. The main difference between mania and hypomania is the severity.

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Treatment for bipolar disorder

Medication is an important aspect of the treatment of bipolar disorder. This is prescribed to prevent episodes of mania, hypomania and depression and also to treat the symptoms of depression when they occur.

 

If you need to be assessed for bipolar disorder, the first step would be to see a Consultant Psychiatrist for an assessment.

 

Therapy can also play an important part in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you better cope with your symptoms and learn how to recognise when mood shifts are about to happen.

Frequently asked questions

If you are not taking medication to manage your disorder in a long term way and you have begun to identify the early warning signs of an episode, it’s important to seek support as soon as you can. When struggling with a manic episode, you may engage in dangerous behaviours.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for bipolar disorder, alongside having an ongoing relationship with a psychiatrist to monitor your medication. CBT can help you develop strategies for managing your early warning signs and triggers.
Bipolar disorder is predominantly a biological disorder. Because of this, medication often makes up an important part of treatment and so we will generally suggest that you have an initial consultation with a psychiatrist.

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Marina Hilleary

Dr Marina Hilleary is a Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS and private practice. She completed her BSc in Psychology at the University of Exeter, graduating with first-class honours and was subsequently awarded an MSc in Mental Health Studies and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London.

Dr Hilleary has 9 years of clinical experience in various NHS mental health settings, her current position being on a Specialist Adolescent Team at a Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). She has a specialist interest in working with children, young people and their families and has worked with young people presenting with a wide range of difficulties including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety (specific phobias, GAD, social anxiety, separation anxiety, panic and OCD), PTSD, behaviours that challenge and additional neurodevelopmental needs.

Dr Hilleary is experienced in carrying out comprehensive psychological assessments (including cognitive assessments) and recognises the importance of working towards a shared understanding of the presenting difficulties to enable a positive therapeutic outcome. She draws on a range of evidence-based psychological therapies and models, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based approaches. In addition, Dr Hilleary utilises systemic family approaches when working with young people and their families.

Dr Hilleary adopts an integrative, compassionate and person-centred approach to engage young people, building their motivation to participate in decisions around their care plan and achieve their therapeutic goals. She works creatively with her clients and, where appropriate, alongside any of their important support systems.