Bipolar Disorder Specialist
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Venice Sanchez, MD
Psychiatrist & Addiction Psychiatrist located in Newport Beach, CA
Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder leads to life-altering mood swings that include extreme highs, followed by plummeting depressive periods. At the practice of Venice Sanchez, MD, in Newport Beach, California, you can get the compassionate care you need to manage bipolar disorder and improve your quality of life. Whether you’ve previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or are now experiencing symptoms, book an exam. You can conveniently schedule an appointment online or over the phone.
Bipolar Disorder Q&A
Why do I have bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that dramatically affects your moods. Medical experts can’t pinpoint a single cause of bipolar disorder, although they do find that the following factors can increase your risk:
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- A family history of bipolar disorder
- Periods of extreme stress, such as trauma or death
Concurrent conditions, such as anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or heart disease, can also worsen bipolar disorder.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is most commonly known for causing extreme emotional highs and periods of euphoria (mania or hypomania). But when you come down from your manic episode, you can become severely depressed and hopeless, and even lose interest in enjoyable activities. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are described below.
Manic episode
During manic episodes, you may notice that you feel overly elated, jumpy, or energized. Mania can also lead to:
- Talking really fast
- Difficulty sleeping
- Agitation or irritation
- Risky behaviors, like spending large amounts of money
- Switching from subject to subject during conversations
Depressive episode
Once you start coming down and sinking into a depressive state, you’re going to notice that you have very little energy. You may also experience:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite
- Forgetfulness or lack of concentration
If left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to suicide attempts, permanently damaged relationships, and even poor work performance. But you’re not alone if you have bipolar disorder. You can get the care you need at the office of Venice Sanchez, MD.
What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?
Dr. Sanchez treats all levels of bipolar disorder, from Bipolar I disorder that leads to manic episodes that last over a week and depressive episodes that last at least two weeks, as well as Bipolar II disorder where you have ongoing patterns of mania and depression. Depending on your specific bipolar disorder diagnosis and severity of symptoms, your treatment plan may include:
- Antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Sleep medications
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
If you’ve received treatment for depression in the past, your provider may recommend transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This drug-free treatment stimulates nerves in your brain to help regulate your mood.
Dr. Sanchez has extensive training and experience in difficult-to-treat or treatment-refractory patients. She works to find an effective resolution for your bipolar disorder, even if you haven’t had success in the past.
Schedule your bipolar disorder evaluation at the office of Venice Sanchez, MD, today. Click on the online scheduler or call the office directly.
