Because you are reading this page, it is likely that either you or someone you care about has already been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as manic depressive disorder.
Or you may be wondering for the first time if you yourself or someone you know is dealing with symptoms of Bipolar Disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is characterized by elevated mood, energy level and thinking. Some people with Bipolar Disorder experience depression at times as well; some do not.
What is the Impact of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder can have a major negative effect on an individual’s daily functioning and general well-being. Jobs and social relationships may be disrupted.
Failure to seek out appropriate treatment and can cause people with Bipolar Disorder to self-medicate with substances that may provide relief in the short run but which may then foster yet another realm of difficulties.
Because of the tendency of people with Bipolar Disorder to periodically become manic, judgment and insight can be compromised at times. People with bipolar disorder may also sometimes exhibit risky behaviors which may bring harm to themselves or others.
The goal in helping a person with Bipolar Disorder is to assist him or her in creating a life that is in balance; A life in which each individual can get the support he or she needs and where each person can live his or her life with dignity and achieve the highest quality-of-life possible.
With this goal in mind, current research confirms what clinicians have long suspected: The role of the patient’s family in helping reduce stress and achieve balance can be crucial. (Read more about family treatment here.)
Individual Therapy for Bipolar Disorder in San Diego
I utilize several forms of psychotherapy, including Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy which are designed to help people dealing with bipolar disorder more easily manage the routines of life.
Together we will focus on the areas of your life in which you would like to improve and develop a plan of success. We will look at your sleep cycle, medications, your social life and recreation, your mood, symptoms of depression and/or mania, and other factors. Our work together will be geared to helping you achieve better balance, higher functioning and greater satisfaction in life.