Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a common behavioral condition, affecting up to one in every 100 adults. There’s no cure for bipolar disorder, but transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can provide lasting relief. At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy in Aurora and Chicago, Illinois, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Lawrence Abah, MS, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, FPA, uses TMS therapy to relieve symptoms of bipolar disorder, improving your mood, outlook, and behavior. Call Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy, or book an appointment online today.

I often feel moody; could it be bipolar disorder?

Everyone feels moody from time to time. Humans are emotional beings and experience a range of feelings each day, from sadness and happiness to anger and envy. 

It’s perfectly normal to feel intense emotions, but if these feelings cause you to make poor decisions or act in ways you normally wouldn’t, seeking treatment is essential. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes intense manic episodes, followed by severe depression. The severity of these phases varies, but common symptoms include the following:

• Excessive happiness and excitement
• Restlessness
• Rapid speech and racing thoughts
• Increased impulsivity and poor judgment
• Reckless or risk-taking behavior
• Feeling unusually talented or powerful
• Overwhelming sadness
• Low energy and fatigue
• Insomnia
• Uncontrollable crying

Depending on the severity and frequency of these emotional ups and downs, you might have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

When should I see a mental health specialist about bipolar disorder?

Make an appointment with the Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy team if you experience cycles of intense positive emotions followed by severe depression and hopelessness. That’s particularly true if you have a family history of bipolar disorder. There’s no cure, but various treatments can help balance your brain chemistry and improve your quality of life. 

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

The Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy team reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical and neurological exam. Then, they have you fill out a questionnaire and compare your responses to the criteria for bipolar disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

If the team suspects an underlying health problem, like hypothyroidism, is the cause of your symptoms, they order blood work. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy team treats bipolar disorder with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This noninvasive treatment uses targeted magnetic impulses to stimulate specific areas of your brain.

During treatment, you sit under the TMS device. The device stimulates nerve cells in areas of your brain associated with manic and depressive episodes. The stimulation restores chemical balance within your brain, lifting your mood and reducing the frequency of bipolar episodes.

Call Holistic Behavioral and TMS Therapy to schedule a bipolar disorder consultation, or book your appointment online today.