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Bipolar Disorder Specialist

The Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling Our Services Bipolar Disorder

The Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling

Psychotherapy Services located in New York City, NY

In any given year, approximately 5.7 million adults in the United States are affected by bipolar disorder, representing 2.6% of the overall population. Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed, which is why you need the expertise of an entire mental health team like the one found at the Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling. Headed by Anthony Freire, MA, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, Kelley Hershman, LMHC, and Kate Engstrom, LCSW, the group of specialists helps patients in the New York City area overcome the limitations of bipolar disorder. For more information, call or use the online scheduling tool to book a consultation.

Bipolar Disorder Q & A

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What are the main types of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is an all-encompassing mental health disorder that affects your mood, levels of activity, and ability to function. There are four main types of the disorder, including:

  • Bipolar I disorder: This disorder includes severe manic episodes that last at least seven days. These episodes may occur alongside or before or after depressive episodes. Episodes may be so severe as to require hospitalization.
  • Bipolar II disorder: With this type of bipolar disorder, you experience milder manic episodes called hypomania. You cycle through periods of hypomania and depression.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: Periods of hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. These periods aren’t as strong as they are in bipolar I and II, but they can have a considerable impact on your life.
  • Other: If you experience manic and depressive episodes that don’t match the diagnostic criteria of any of the three above, it’s characterized as bipolar-related or unspecified bipolar disorder.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Manic episodes often include:

  • Feeling euphoric or elated
  • Excessive energy levels
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Racing thoughts
  • Risky behaviors

On the opposite end of the spectrum are depressive episodes that are characterized by:

  • Lack of energy
  • Feeling very sad
  • Lower energy levels
  • Anxiety and worry
  • Problems with eating and sleeping
  • Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

In extreme cases, depressive episodes may include thoughts of suicide.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

When you first visit the Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling & Clinical Supervision, a therapist sits with you to review your symptoms and talks with you about your thoughts and behaviors. It’s helpful if you’re able to describe and put a timeline to your manic and depressive episodes so your therapist can figure out which type of bipolar disorder might be affecting you.

Once they have a clearer picture of the problem, they work with you using a number of different therapies to control the manic and depressive episodes, including:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
  • Family therapy

Rest assured that the team of professionals works with you until your quality of life is restored and your manic and depressive episodes are under control.

For expert treatment of bipolar disorder, call the office or request a consultation using the online scheduling tool.