MOOD DISORDERS
OUR SERVICESMood Disorders: Bipolar, Depression & Unipolar
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
The distinguishing characteristic of Bipolar Disorder, as compared to other mood disorders, is the presence of at least one manic episode. Additionally, it is presumed to be a chronic condition because the vast majority of individuals who have one manic episode have additional episodes in the future. The statistics suggest that four episodes in ten years is an average, without preventative treatment. Every individual with bipolar disorder has a unique pattern of mood cycles, combining depression and manic episodes, that is specific to that individual, but predictable once the pattern is identified. Research studies suggest a strong genetic influence in bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as a psychological problem, because it is episodic. Consequently, those who have it may suffer needlessly for years without treatment.
Understanding Depression
Depression, even the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. As with many illnesses, the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is and the greater the likelihood that recurrence can be prevented.
The first step to getting appropriate treatment is to visit a doctor. Certain medications, and some medical conditions such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A doctor can rule out these possibilities by conducting an interview and lab tests. A psychiatrist will complete a full evaluation to determine if he or she suffers from depression.
Once diagnosed, a person with depression can be treated with a number of methods. The most common treatments are a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Unipolar Disorder Facts
Unipolar Disorder is also known as”Major Depressive Disorder,” is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness. One who suffers from unipolar disorders has a lack of interest in everyday life, finding joy in nothing. People suffering from unipolar illness focuses on the “lows,” or constant negative emotions.
Fortunately, unipolar disorders are easily treated with both therapy and medication. At Mathers Clinic, our highly trained staff are ready to help you with any unipolar disorders you may be suffering from: Seasonal Affective Disorder, Psychotic Depression, Postpartum Depression, Melancholic Depression and Catatonic Depression.
What Is A Manic Episode?
A manic episode is an abnormally elevated, expansive or irritable mood, not related to substance abuse or a medical condition, that lasts for at least a week, and includes a number of disturbances in behavior and thinking that results in significant life adjustment problems. Chronic behavior that appears somewhat similar to manic behavior is more likely ADHD or evidence of personality problem.
It may be helpful to think of the various mood states in manic-depressive illness as a spectrum or continuous range. At one end is severe depression, which shades into moderate depression; then come mild and brief mood disturbances that many people call “the blues,” then normal mood, then hypomania (a mild form of mania), and then mania.
Some people with untreated bipolar disorder have repeated depressions and only an occasional episode of hypomania (bipolar II). In the other extreme, mania may be the main problem and depression may occur only infrequently. In fact, symptoms of mania and depression may be mixed together in a single “mixed” bipolar state.
Features Of A Manic Episode
- Extreme irritability & distractibility
- Excessive “high” or euphoric feelings
- Sustained periods of unusual, even bizarre, behavior with significant risk-taking
- Increased energy, activity, rapid talking & thinking, agitation
- Decreased sleep
- Unrealistic belief in one’s own abilities
- Poor judgment
- Increased sex drive
- Substance abuse
- Provocative or obnoxious behavior
- Denial of problem
Contact Mathers Clinic
Contact us to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or for more information about our services by calling (815) 444.9999. You may also email us at info@themathersclinic.com. We look forward to helping you meet with a psychologist at a time that works well for you.
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Respectfully Caring for the Emotional Well Being of Individuals & Families.
Crystal Lake Office
145 South Virginia Street
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
phone: 815.444.9999
fax: 815.986.1363
Monday 8:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 7:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday Closed
Woodstock Office
715 West Judd Street
Woodstock, Illinois 60098
phone: 815.444.9999
fax: 815.986.1363
Monday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Mathers Community Mental Health Center Affiliates:
THE MATHERS RECOVERY
Federally licensed facilities for opiate/opioid treatment. Full range service for detoxification.