Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be a challenging condition, but it’s very treatable if you get the proper expert care. At Oasis Healing Arts, the compassionate, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Linda Hilliker, MS, CNS, RXN, provides a comfortable and accepting space for you to receive the support you need. Linda has over 30 years of experience with medication prescribing and management, and she’s ready to explore a plan that relieves your symptoms now. Telehealth and in-person care are both available, so call the Broomfield, Colorado, office or use the online booking link now.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes significant fluctuations in mood . Bipolar disorder, consists of both episodes of depression (low mood) and mania (a constellation of symptoms which includes unusually euphoric or irritable mood, severe sleep disturbance, impulse control problems and sometimes extreme feelings of grandiosity or perceptions of superiority) These episodes may be severe enough to disrupt your life, sometimes to the point of needing hospitalization.

A depressive episode prior to the age of 25 years old raises the suspicion of a possible Bipolar disorder. 

Types of bipolar disorder are:

Type I bipolar

The diagnosis of type I bipolar disorder requires history of at least one manic episode (see the partial list of symptoms above). People with Bipolar I disorder more often have depressive episodes.

Type II bipolar

Type II bipolar features at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode. Hypomanic episodes have the same characteristics as manic episodes but are less intense or severe.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

 Bipolar depressive episodes may include symptoms such as:

• Hopelessness
• Withdrawal from loved ones
• Eating habit changes 
• Lack of interest in most activities
• Sleep disturbance 
• Poor focusing
• Difficulty making decisions
• Speaking unusually slowly or quietly
• Difficulty carrying out routine tasks or activities
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Sadness

Manic and hypomanic episodes cause opposite symptoms such as: 

• High energy levels
• Feeling of elation or exuberant 
• Being more active than usual
• Racing thoughts
• Reduced need for sleep
• Speaking faster than usual
• Coming up with many new ideas, projects, and plans
• Inflated feeling of self-importance
• Being easily irritated or agitated
• Increase in risky or impulsive behaviors

You may have symptom-free periods of relatively normal mood between manic and depressive episodes.

How is bipolar disorder treated? 

Bipolar disorder generally responds best to medication and psychotherapy. Linda has decades of experience in determining which medication works best for each patient’s needs. 

You can schedule in person appointments or remote appointments through telehealth. Sometimes Bipolar I manic episodes become an emergency. If this is the case, please call mental health emergency services at 988, or Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255). For outpatient appointments, call Oasis Healing Arts or click the online scheduler today.