Bipolar Disorder Treatment
in Cincinnati, Dayton,
and Columbus

You don’t have to suffer from bipolar disorder without support.
Get in touch to schedule a confidential consultation today!

man getting online bipolar disorder treatment from KAV

Bipolar Disorder
Treatment in Ohio

KAV Mental Health & Psychiatry is a trusted provider of individualized treatment for bipolar disorder in the greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus areas. Our team is led by experienced bipolar doctors, psychiatrists, and licensed mental health therapists to ensure our patients have access to the highest quality care possible. We offer bipolar treatment services through a convenient online video platform so patients can receive the guidance and support they need from the comfort of their own homes.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood shifts from lows (depression) to highs (mania or hypomania). These swings can also cause drastic changes to a person’s energy levels, ability to think rationally, and capacity to perform day-to-day tasks.

People with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression where they feel sad, hopeless, and are unable to take interest in their usual activities. These are followed by episodes of elation, high energy, and risk-taking, known as mania or its slightly milder form hypomania.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, and sometimes people don’t recognize when they have it or are experiencing its symptoms. This can lead to severe disruptions in their lives: for example, when they’re depressed and lacking energy, they may lose their employment if they can’t show up for work, or spending money they don’t have and going into debut during a manic episode.

Types of Bipolar Disorders

There are several types of disorders under the umbrella of bipolar disorder One of the biggest differentiators between the two subtypes is the presence of mania or hypomania. Hypomania is a milder form of mania where they symptoms are not as obvious and last for a few days, compared to weeks.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder:

The patient has had at least one manic episode, that may be preceded or followed by a depressive episode.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II Disorder:

Periods of depressive episodes and hypomania, without an instance of full-blown mania.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic Disorder:

At least two years of hypomanic and depressive episodes; generally, both the hypomania and depression will be less intense than with either bipolar I or II.

woman seeking bipolar disorder treatment at KAV mental health

Signs & Symptoms of
Bipolar Disorder

Those with bipolar disorder will have varying symptoms depending on the subtype of disorder they have and whether they’re in a depressive or manic episode. Age can also affect some symptoms.

The common symptoms of depression are:

  • Feeling hopeless, sad, or tearful
  • A drastic loss of interest or lack of pleasure from most or all activities
  • Insomnia or oversleeping
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Significant changes to weight and appetite
  • Feeling worthless or excessive guilt
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Children and adolescents often become more irritable

Manic episodes generally have the following symptoms:

  • Increased activity, energy, or agitation
  • Feeling abnormally jumpy, twitchy, or upbeat
  • Inflated sense of well-being and self-confidence
  • Decreased sleep
  • Racing thoughts and speech
  • Easily distracted
  • Increased risk-taking
  • Loss of appetite
  • Children and adolescents may act out or overly silly

Causes & Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder

Scientists and doctors are still studying the causes of bipolar disorder. The current consensus is that there is no single cause, but several factors contribute to the likelihood of a person having it. Some studies indicate that brain chemistry and structure may differ in those with bipolar disorder, but most studies agree that people with certain genes or family history are more likely to develop it.

woman suffering from bipolar disorder

Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

woman seeking bipolar disorder treatment at KAV mental health

Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Those with bipolar disorder will have varying symptoms depending on the subtype of disorder they have and whether they’re in a depressive or manic episode. Age can also affect some symptoms.

The common symptoms of depression are:

  • Feeling hopeless, sad, or tearful
  • A drastic loss of interest or lack of pleasure from most or all activities
  • Insomnia or oversleeping
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Significant changes to weight and appetite
  • Feeling worthless or excessive guilt
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Children and adolescents often become more irritable

Manic episodes generally have the following symptoms:

  • Increased activity, energy, or agitation
  • Feeling abnormally jumpy, twitchy, or upbeat
  • Inflated sense of well-being and self-confidence
  • Decreased sleep
  • Racing thoughts and speech
  • Easily distracted
  • Increased risk-taking
  • Loss of appetite
  • Children and adolescents may act out or overly silly

Causes & Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder

Causes & Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder

Scientists and doctors are still studying the causes of bipolar disorder. The current consensus is that there is no single cause, but several factors contribute to the likelihood of a person having it. Some studies indicate that brain chemistry and structure may differ in those with bipolar disorder, but most studies agree that people with certain genes or family history are more likely to develop it.
woman suffering from bipolar disorder

Long-Term Effects of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that can have devastating effects on the lives of those with it if the illness goes unmanaged. Left untreated, depression can cause a person to lose interest in and neglect nearly any important part of their life, while unmanaged mania can lead to financial ruin, health issues, and many other dangers due to increasingly risky behavior.

Though bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, management of the disorder through prescription medication and condition-specific counseling can be very successful.

man receiving online bipolar disorder treatment from KAV mental health

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options with KAV Mental Health & Psychiatry

KAV Mental Health & Psychiatry’s experienced team uses a comprehensive approach to bipolar disorder treatment, which combines safe and effective medication management with supportive menteal health counseling and therapy services.

Prescriptions can be used to help ease the symptoms of both depression and mania. Individual counseling helps our patients develop healthier thought processes to identify and manage their moods when they start to swing towards either extreme. And group therapy allows patients to connect to others with similar issues, look more objectively at their own situation, and learn new ways to manage their behaviors.

KAV Mental Health & Psychiatry’s bipolar disorder treatment is even more accessible with our online telehealth services, which provides all the benefits of our in-person treatment, but from the convenience of your home. Meet with your doctors or counselors easily with six-days-a-week, same-day scheduling, and trust your personalized care will be confidential via our HIPAA-compliant video system.

Don’t wait — call (513) 901-4505 to get a free consultation and learn more about how we can support you back to mental wellness today!

Testimonials

“This place has been a blessing from day one. As a mother of 3, it’s not always the easiest to get away from the kiddos. I love the fact that I don’t have to leave my home to meet with my therapist. The online counseling aspect is really convenient and was honestly the only way for me to get the help I needed. I plan on continuing my monthly sessions because I keep seeing more growth and positive change in myself each time.”

– A.T.

“Depression controlled my life for a very long time, and up until a few months ago I was hopeless of that ever changing. KAV helped me find balance again. They helped me find peace. I rediscovered what being happy feels like. Though I still have bad days, I now have the tools and support systems to get me through them. I finally feel in control of my life again, and for that I am grateful.”

– J.C.

“I started feeling really anxious and depressed after the birth of my first child, which was when one of my close friends told me about KAV. My first visit with the doctor was great. She asked me a lot of questions, was super attentive, and gave me the time to talk through my issues. I could tell that she genuinely cared about trying to help me. We talked about different medication options and she suggested therapy. I was hesitant at first, but I’m really glad I said yes because my counselor has really helped me explore all this new anxiety. It changes every day with a baby, but I do feel like I’m in such a better place now, and so much more available for my daughter.”

-E.M.

“Pain pills took me down a really dark path for many years. I’ve been to rehab several times, but could never stay clean for long after I got out. I thank the doctors and counselors at KAV every day for helping me turn my life around. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve been sober for 14 months and have the belief in myself that it will stay that way. Most importantly, I can be the father and husband my family needs. Thank you KAV — you all truly saved my life!!!”

– J.K.

“Paying attention for long periods of time has been a struggle for as long as I can remember. It’s made things like school…relationships…holding down a job…etc pretty tough. Prior to coming here I’d heard of ADHD but never really looked into it…but after just a few visits my doctor and counselor helped me better understand it and get it under control. It’s been a really good experience so far…I only wish I would’ve pursued getting help like this sooner.”

– L.B.