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Bipolar Disorder

Adult Psychiatry located in Fort Collins, CO
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Bipolar Disorder services offered in Fort Collins, CO


Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder leads to life-altering mood swings that include extreme highs followed by plummeting depressive periods. At Psychiatric Services of the Rockies in Fort Collins, Colorado, psychiatrist Josiah Ziegler, DO, provides the compassionate care you need to manage bipolar disorder and improve your quality of life. Whether you’ve previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or are now experiencing symptoms, book an evaluation. Call Psychiatric Services of the Rockies or request an appointment online today. 

Bipolar Disorder Q&A

Why do I have bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that dramatically affects your moods. Medical experts can’t pinpoint a single cause of bipolar disorder, although they do find that the following factors can increase your risk:

  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • A family history of bipolar disorder
  • Periods of extreme stress, such as trauma or death

Concurrent conditions, such as anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or heart disease, can also worsen bipolar disorder.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is most commonly known for causing extreme emotional highs and periods of euphoria (mania or hypomania). But when you come down from your manic episode, you can become severely depressed and hopeless and even lose interest in enjoyable activities. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are described below.

Manic episode

During manic episodes, you may notice that you feel overly elated, jumpy, or energized. Mania can also lead to:

  • Talking really fast
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Agitation or irritation
  • Risky behaviors, like spending large amounts of money
  • Switching from subject to subject during conversations

Depressive episode

Once you start coming down and sinking into a depressive state, you’re going to notice that you have very little energy. You may also experience:

  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Sleeping too much
  • Changes in appetite
  • Forgetfulness or lack of concentration

If left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to suicide attempts, permanently damaged relationships, and even poor work performance. But you’re not alone if you have bipolar disorder. You can get the care you need at Psychiatric Services of the Rockies.

What is the treatment for bipolar disorder?

Dr. Ziegler treats all levels of bipolar disorder, from Bipolar I disorder, which leads to manic episodes that last over a week, and depressive episodes that last at least two weeks, as well as Bipolar II disorder, where you have ongoing patterns of mania and depression. Depending on your specific bipolar disorder diagnosis and severity of symptoms, your treatment plan may include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Mood stabilizers
  • Atypical antipsychotics
  • Sleep medications
  • Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

Dr. Ziegler has extensive training and experience in difficult-to-treat or treatment-refractory patients. He works to find an effective resolution for your bipolar disorder, even if you haven’t had success in the past.

Schedule your bipolar disorder evaluation by calling Psychiatric Services of the Rockies or requesting an appointment online today. 

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