Bipolar Disorder Specialist
Quandary Peak Counseling
Psychologists located in Denver, CO
Do you feel like your mood swings are out of control and unpredictable? Does your mood change from an energetic high to a deep depression almost overnight? You might have bipolar disorder. At Quandary Peak Counseling in Denver, Colorado, board-certified psychologist Trey Cole, PsyD, ABPP and Maddy Bollinger, MA, LPC, offer personalized psychotherapy to help you manage bipolar disorder and lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Call Quandary Peak Counseling or request a consultation online today for expert therapeutic care for bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Q & A
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood that interfere with your ability to think clearly, make decisions, or function normally at work or school.
Bipolar disorder used to be known as manic-depressive disorder because of the mood changes between euphoric mania and depression. The condition usually emerges around the age of 25, although you can develop symptoms anytime during your life. When left untreated, bipolar disorder tends to intensify and become more disruptive.
What are the signs of bipolar disorder?
There are two main types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Depending on the kind of bipolar disorder you have, you might experience depressive, manic, or hypomanic symptoms during your different mood episodes.
For example, during a depressive episode, you could have symptoms such as:
- Intense sadness and hopelessness
- Lost interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Decreased libido
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Changes in appetite
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Thoughts of death or suicide
However, during manic episodes, you’re more likely to have symptoms such as:
- Exaggerated self-esteem
- Increased energy
- Less need for sleep
- More talkative than usual
- Easily distracted
- Increased irritability
Hypomanic episodes are similar to mania, but your symptoms and behaviors are less extreme.
Bipolar I is classified by mood shifts between mania and depression, while bipolar II presents hypomanic episodes.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, call Quandary Peak Counseling and schedule an assessment with Dr. Cole or Maddy Bollinger. The more quickly you get an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment and regain your quality of life.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
At Quandary Peak Counseling, Dr. Cole and Maddy Bolinger provide highly personalized psychotherapy to help you cope with bipolar disorder. He offers a variety of approaches that they can customize and blend to address your specific needs.
While the team doesn’t prescribe medication, they can collaborate with your medical provider to help you manage your condition, regulate your moods, and develop the skills you need to restore and maintain your quality of life.
Call Quandary Peak Counseling or make an appointment online today for expert psychological services for bipolar disorder.