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Personalized Care to Evaluate & Treat Bipolar Disorder in Williamsport, PA

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a type of mood disorder that includes periods of extreme elation, elevated mood or irritability. This is followed by periods of depression and related feelings.

At UPMC, we are experienced in caring for patients of all ages with bipolar disorder in Williamsport, PA, offering personalized and compassionate care that helps return a person to his or her active life. 

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms of bipolar disorder will depend on individual circumstances, but may include these common signs.

Depressive symptoms may include:

  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Decreased ability to concentrate and make decisions
  • Decreased energy
  • Excessive crying
  • Increased feelings of guilt, helplessness and/or hopelessness
  • Increased restlessness and irritability
  • Loss of interest in activities once previously enjoyed
  • Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
  • Physical symptoms unrelieved by standard treatment (chronic pain, headaches)
  • Social withdrawal
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • Weight and/or appetite changes due to over- or under-eating

Manic symptoms may include:

  • Decreased need for rest and sleep
  • Excessive "high" or euphoric feelings
  • Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that may result in painful consequence; this may include provocative, aggressive or destructive behavior
  • Increased denial
  • Increased distractibility and irritability
  • Increased energy level
  • Increased physical agitation
  • Increased sex drive
  • Increased talkativeness
  • Overly inflated self-esteem
  • Uncharacteristically poor judgment

Bipolar Disorder Causes

Bipolar disorder affects more than 5.7 million adults in the United States (both men and women equally). Bipolar disorder is likely to be passed down from a family member, and in some cases, is believed to be hereditary.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment 

Our behavioral health specialists focus on alleviating symptoms through therapies designed to help people cope with fluctuating moods and medications to help manage symptoms.

Depending on the type and severity of the condition, bipolar disorder treatment may include:

  • Medication (mood stabilizers or antidepressants)
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
  • Psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral and/or interpersonal therapy)

The behavioral health teams at UPMC specialize in recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder and determining which courses of treatment may work best. In most cases, long-term treatment may be necessary to prevent and stabilize mood swings associated with manic depression.

UPMC is dedicated to the health of all people in our community. We provide exceptional care for bipolar disorder in Williamsport, PA and the surrounding areas.