Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood condition marked by shifts between depressive and elevated mood states that affect daily life and relationships. Shanell's Psychiatry Care, LLC, in Peoria, Illinois, led by Shanell Gladson, APRN, PMHNP-BC, provides thoughtful, individualized care for bipolar disorder. Treatment emphasizes mood stability, routine, and overall wellness, with careful monitoring and collaboration. Individuals seeking balanced, supportive care can contact Shanell's Psychiatry Care, LLC by calling the office or completing the online booking form.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes noticeable changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts affect how you think, feel, and function, and go way beyond everyday ups and downs.

People with bipolar disorder experience periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) followed by periods of depression.

What are the different types of bipolar disorder?

There are several types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes that may be severe with severe depression. Bipolar II disorder includes episodes of severe depression and hypomania, which is a milder form of mania.

Cyclothymic disorder involves ongoing mood fluctuations that are less intense but still disruptive over time.

Bipolar disorder may result from a combination of genetic factors, brain chemistry, and life stressors. It can run in families, but not everyone with a family history will develop the condition.

What does a manic bipolar episode look like?

During mania or hypomania, a person may feel unusually energetic, talkative, confident, or irritable. They may sleep very little, make impulsive decisions, spend excessively, or take risks they normally wouldn’t.

These episodes can feel productive at first, but may lead to problems at work, school, or in relationships.

What happens during depressive bipolar episodes?

Depressive episodes often include:

• Persistent sadness
• Low energy
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Trouble concentrating
• Feelings of hopelessness

These symptoms can make daily tasks feel overwhelming and may last for weeks or longer if untreated.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis involves a detailed evaluation of mood patterns, symptoms over time, personal history, and daily functioning. Because symptoms can overlap with depression and anxiety, careful assessment is vital to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Treatment often includes medication management to help stabilize mood, along with lifestyle support and education. Regular sleep, healthy routines, stress management, and emotional support play an important role.

With proper care, many people manage bipolar disorder successfully and lead productive, fulfilling lives. Understanding the condition and staying engaged with your treatment can greatly reduce symptom severity and relapse risk.

Shanell's Psychiatry Care, LLC provides compassionate, person-centered care that focuses on both mood stability and overall wellness, helping patients build balance, insight, and long-term emotional well-being.

Call Shanell's Psychiatry Care, LLC today to schedule a bipolar disorder assessment or request an appointment via the online booking form.