Omaha Mood & Bipolar Disorder Therapists & Psychiatrists

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition characterized by extreme mood swings that can disrupt daily life. Moods can change from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to extreme lows (depression). These mood episodes can vary in intensity and duration, significantly impacting a person’s energy levels, behavior, thinking, and daily activities.

• • Bipolar I Disorder: Involves manic episodes that may include extreme highs and sometimes depressive episodes.
  • Bipolar II Disorder: Features less severe manic episodes (hypomania) alongside depressive episodes.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: Involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for full manic or depressive episodes.
  • Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS): This category includes bipolar symptoms that do not fit the criteria for Bipolar I or II but still cause significant distress or impairment.
  • Mixed Features Specifier: This specifier can be applied to both Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders, indicating the presence of depressive symptoms during a manic or hypomanic episode or the presence of manic or hypomanic symptoms during a depressive episode.
  • Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder: This subtype involves experiencing four or more mood episodes (manic, hypomanic, or depressive) within a 12-month period. Rapid cycling can occur within any type of bipolar disorder.

What are mood disorders?

Mood disorders are a category of mental health disorders characterized by disturbances in a person’s mood or emotional state. The main types of mood disorders include:

• • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Also known simply as depression, it involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Formerly known as dysthymia, this involves chronic low-level depression lasting for at least two years, with periods of normal mood interspersed.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: A milder form of bipolar disorder marked by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years.
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterized by mood swings, irritability, and other symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Primarily diagnosed in children and adolescents, characterized by severe temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation, occurring frequently and persistently.
  • Substance/Medication-Induced Mood Disorder: Mood disturbances caused by the effects of substances such as drugs or medications.

A Modern Approach to Mood & Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Our mood and bipolar disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Omaha offer services designed to help individuals navigate their journey toward recovery. Our approach is tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs, promoting healing and recovery. Psychiatric care plays a vital role in managing mood and bipolar disorders. Our psychiatric approach ensures comprehensive care, combining medication with therapeutic interventions for optimal results.

We believe in a holistic approach to treating depression, integrating therapy and psychiatry with the support of primary care providers. Our collaborative treatment plans are personalized to meet the specific needs of each individual, providing comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery. We offer ongoing follow-ups to ensure continued progress and well-being.

• • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps to manage mood swings and to develop coping strategies.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Can assist patients with bipolar disorder or other mood disorders by addressing past traumas or emotional triggers that may influence mood instability. By using bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps to process these distressing experiences, reducing their impact and supporting better emotional regulation and stability.
  • Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Stabilizes daily routines to manage mood episodes.
  • Family-focused Therapy (FFT): Enhances family support and communication.
  • Psychoeducation: Educates on mood management techniques and medication adherence.
  • Medication Management: Our board certified psychiatry specialist monitors and adjusts medications to find the most effective regimen. Medications range from mood stabilizers to antipsychotics to antidepressants.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Children & Adults

It’s important to note that bipolar disorder symptoms can vary widely between individuals and may change over time. Children and adolescents may experience rapid mood swings or mixed episodes (simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression), while adults typically have distinct periods of mood elevation (mania or hypomania) and depression. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

In Children

Manic Episodes:

• • Severe mood swings from excessively high or euphoric (mania) to irritable or angry
  • Increased energy levels and hyperactivity
  • Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
  • Rapid speech and racing thoughts
  • Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem
  • Risk-taking behavior or impulsivity

Depressive Episodes:

• • Persistent sadness or irritability
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Fatigue or low energy levels
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Thoughts of death or suicide (in severe cases)

In Adults

Manic Episodes:

• • Feeling unusually “high” or euphoric
  • Increased energy, activity, or agitation
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Rapid speech and racing thoughts
  • Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem
  • Poor judgment or risky behavior
  • Increased goal-directed activities

Depressive Episodes:

• • Persistent sadness or low mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Significant changes in appetite or weight
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep)
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide