Bipolar Disorder | Bipolar Depression | Bipolar Symptoms

Understanding and Treating Bipolar Disorder at Matone Counseling and Testing

Bipolar Disorder (formerly known as Manic-Depressive Illness) is a complex mental health condition that affects mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. While everyone experiences ups and downs, those with Bipolar Disorder experience mood shifts that are more extreme and disruptive. These mood episodes include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), often impacting relationships, work, and daily functioning.

At Matone Counseling and Testing, we have licensed clinicians who are specially trained to diagnose and treat Bipolar Disorder across all its forms.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are three main types of Bipolar Disorder, each with distinct patterns of mood fluctuation:

• Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by manic episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms severe enough to require immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes often follow and may last two weeks or more.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Involves a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than full mania) without the full-blown manic episodes seen in Bipolar I.
• Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Marked by periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t meet the criteria for full episodes. These mood fluctuations can be chronic and unpredictable but still deeply affect quality of life.

All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels, making it essential to get a comprehensive mental health evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.

Bipolar Disorder Is More Common Than You May Realize

Bipolar Disorder affects approximately 2.8% of the U.S. adult population each year, and many people live with symptoms for years before receiving a correct diagnosis. It often appears in the late teen years or early adulthood, but early signs can also appear in children and adolescents.

Timely diagnosis and proper bipolar disorder treatment can dramatically improve a person’s stability, quality of life, and long-term outlook.

Symptoms to Watch For

Manic symptoms may include:

• Increased energy or activity levels
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Racing thoughts or rapid speech
• Impulsivity or risky behavior

Depressive symptoms may include:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Fatigue or low energy
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Because symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and because they sometimes overlap with other disorders, professional assessment is critical.

How Matone Counseling and Testing Can Help

Our expert clinicians provide comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based treatment for Bipolar Disorder. Treatment often includes:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy) – such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps clients manage symptoms, recognize patterns, and develop healthy coping strategies.
• Medication management – we work closely with psychiatrists or primary care physicians when medication is part of the treatment plan.
• Psychoeducation – helping clients and families understand the nature of the disorder and how to respond to symptoms.
• Ongoing support – through individual counseling, family therapy, and collaborative care with other healthcare providers.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing bipolar symptoms for years, our team is here to support your journey toward stability and wellness.

You’re Not Alone

Living with Bipolar Disorder can be overwhelming, but with the right care and support, people can live full, meaningful, and productive lives. Matone Counseling and Testing is here to help you or your loved one navigate this condition with understanding, compassion, and clinical expertise.