Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Manic episodes are characterized by abnormally heightened, expansive, or irritable moods that last for at least one week. In contrast, hypomania lasts at least four days and is similar to a manic episode, except that it lacks psychotic features.

 Both mania and hypomania are associated with: 

  • Inflated self-esteem 
  • Decreased need for sleep 
  • Distractibility
  • Flight of ideas and hyper verbal
  • Over-involvement in pleasurable behavior

There is no cure for bipolar disorder as of now. However, mental professionals can treat bipolar effectively with medications and psychological and holistic lifestyle adjustments. Treatment allows for symptoms to be managed appropriately.

Peak Wellness Psychiatry provides an holistic approach to online psychiatry. We also can incorporate medications when appropriate, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and all aspects that encompass your complete wellness. With each patient, our aim is to help you to thrive at your best by moving you from a state of every day symptom management toward optimal mental wellness!

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What is Bipolar Mania and Hypomania?

Manic episodes are characterized by abnormally heightened, expansive, or irritable moods that last for at least one week. In contrast, hypomania lasts at least four days and is similar to a manic episode, except that it lacks psychotic features.

 Both mania and hypomania are associated with: 

  • Inflated self-esteem 
  • Decreased need for sleep 
  • Distractibility
  • Great physical and mental activity 
  • Over-involvement in pleasurable behavior

There is no cure for bipolar disorder as of now. However, mental professionals can treat bipolar effectively with medications and psychological and holistic lifestyle adjustments. Treatment allows for symptoms to be managed appropriately. Our providers can work with you to develop a safe and effective management plan to control symptoms.

How is Bipolar Mania and Hypomania Treated?

Mood stabilizers:


What are Mood stabilizers?

Mood stabilizers are designed to help reduce mood swings and prevent manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers serve as first-line treatment for acute manic episodes. Yet, because of the onset of the antimanic action of some mood-stabilizing drugs. They are usually supplemented in the early phases of treatment by atypical antipsychotics, mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants, or high-potency benzodiazepines. 


Below is a list of common medications:

  • Valproate (Divalproex)
  • Lithobid (Lithium)
  • Tegretol (Carbamazepine)
  • Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
  • Lamictal (Lamotrigine)


Antipsychotics 


What are Antipsychotics?

Antipsychotics are a class of drugs that work by blocking the effects of dopamine. This reaction helps reduce psychotic symptoms for many people. Psychosis, characterized by bipolar mania and hypomania, is thought to be due to high dopamine levels, causing the brain to function differently.


Below is a list of common medications:

  • Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
  • Risperdal (Risperidone)
  • Seroquel (Quetiapine)
  • Abilify (Aripiprazole)
  • Geodon (Ziprasidone)
  • Haldol (Haloperidol)
  • Saphris (Asenapine)


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