Bipolar Disorder

Shifting of moods from depressive disposition to an elated frame of mind is a very common indicator of bipolar disorder. Patients suffering from this condition may experience two phases: a depressed state and a manic state.

The depressed state is characterized by sad or hopeless feelings, anger and frustration as well as irritability in varying degrees of severity. There is also a noticeable change in sleep and appetite, tiredness, feelings of worthlessness and loss of interest in pleasurable endeavors. Should the patient express thoughts of suicide or perform gestures of such a nature, it should be taken seriously and intervention sought.

This disorder has varying degrees of severity. Presence of the manic phase characterizes the difference between the two main types of bipolar disorder. The hypomanic phase involves an increase in grandiose thinking, talkativeness, decreased need for sleep, distractibility and excessive need to indulge in activities that are likely to produce painful consequences. The manic phase is more severe and causes a marked impairment in functioning and may require hospitalization.

Because the disorder is resistant to many medications, finding the best pharmacological intervention can prove daunting and difficult. These individuals suffer from the loss of functional lives with the constant mood swings and disrupted personal relationships. Often hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations are necessary and provide temporary relief of the symptoms.

Neurofeedback can help patients with bipolar disorder. An instability in the brain of patients with this mental condition responds to the therapy as it stabilizes their brainwave activity, reducing the severity of the mood disorder. With continued therapy, the frequency of mood swings will reduce as the patients are able to sustain mood stability.

Patients visit us from Bucks, Montgomery, Mercer, Burlington and Philadelphia counties, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

If compassionate care for bipolar disorder is what you’re looking for, please contact our friendly office staff at 215.321.9502 with your questions or scheduling needs. For your convenience, you can use our online Request an Appointment form.