Bipolar disorder is frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed, leaving many people without the right treatment for years. At Life Balance Health, board-certified nurse practitioner Patrick Ollar, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, has the psychiatric background to accurately diagnose and treat bipolar disorder in adults across California, Nevada, and Oregon. He works with you to stabilize mood, prevent future episodes, and build a care plan you can sustain long term. Call today to schedule your virtual consultation or book online to get started.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by significant shifts in energy, activity levels, and emotional state that go well beyond typical ups and downs. These shifts can affect your sleep, judgment, behavior, and ability to function at work or in relationships.
The most common types of bipolar disorder include:
Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes that last at least seven days or are severe enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes typically follow and can last weeks or months.
Bipolar II disorder involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania but still disruptive to daily life.
Cyclothymic disorder involves numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms over at least two years that don’t meet the full criteria for a manic or major depressive episode.
Symptoms vary depending on whether you’re in a manic, hypomanic, or depressive phase. You might experience:
Because manic and depressive symptoms can resemble separate conditions, seeking skilled care is essential.
Research points to several contributing factors, including:
Understanding which factors contribute to your symptoms helps Patrick tailor your treatment.
At Life Balance Health, bipolar disorder treatment focuses on stabilizing mood and preventing future episodes.
Mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and other medications form the foundation of bipolar disorder treatment. Patrick monitors your response and adjusts your regimen as needed.
Psychotherapy helps you recognize early warning signs of mood shifts, develop coping strategies, and maintain stability between episodes.
Consistent sleep schedules, stress reduction, and avoiding substances that can destabilize mood are important components of long-term management.
Bipolar disorder requires ongoing care, but the right treatment makes a stable life achievable. Call Life Balance Health or book your virtual evaluation online today.