Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a complex brain disorder that involves sudden mood shifts from high to low. These dramatic mood swings, known as episodes, are referred to as stages of mania and depression. Bipolar disorder most frequently develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, but may begin during childhood as well.
Episodes of bipolar disorder can last for days, weeks or months. Symptoms of each phase may be mild or severe but can include:
Depression
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Fatigue
- Change in appetite
- Loss of interest
- Suicidal thoughts
Mania
- Euphoria
- Increased energy
- Restlessness
- Aggressive behavior
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased sexual drive
- Inability to concentrate
The severity and frequency of these symptoms are classified into different types of bipolar disorder. The cause of bipolar disorder is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors.
If left untreated, bipolar disorder will worsen and it is important to see your doctor if you experience symptoms, especially suicidal thoughts. Treatment usually includes medications and psychotherapy. Since the disorder is recurring, long-term treatment is usually recommended to maintain a balanced mood. Long-term treatment can help make this potentially life-threatening disease manageable. Talk to Dr. Brissett at the first sign of symptoms to help treat bipolar disorder.
Marriage Counseling / Couples Therapy
Marriage or couples counseling, helps couples, married or not, work through their conflicts and improve their relationship. These sessions allow for better communication and a way to talk through problems in a calm and balanced setting. Marital counseling can help couples to openly address significant events like infidelity, intimacy, parenting, or divorce. It can also be beneficial for addressing day to day issues like communication, sex, anger, and financial problems. It is important for couples to choose a professional psychologist, like Dr. Brissett, whom allows you to feel comfortable and commit to working on your relationship. Your relationship may seem much improved just after a few sessions, and benefit tremendously from well-researched techniques learned through couples therapy. However, it is important to stay the course, as many couples may have complex or individual, preexisting issues that may take longer to resolve or make progress.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after witnessing or personally experiencing a traumatic life event that may have caused physical harm to someone. These events may include assault, sexual abuse, unexpected death, house fire, an accident, war or a natural disaster.
Certain reactions are natural after experiencing a stressful live event, but overtime, they should decrease and eventually go away. People diagnosed with PTSD continue to persistently experience these reactions, sometimes in increasing and intense frequency, long after the event has ended, and for some, it causes significant distress in their daily lives. Symptoms of traumatic events can include:
- Bad dreams
- Flashbacks
- Recurring scary thoughts
- Feeling worried or guilty
- Easily startled
- Feeling alone
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling restless
- Feeling angry
If these symptoms are not resolved, or get worse or lasts beyond six months, you may be suffering from PTSD. These symptoms can be effectively treated with the help of Dr. Brissett.
