Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings, affecting energy, thoughts, and behaviour. Episodes can range from manic highs to depressive lows, disrupting daily life and relationships. These mood changes can last hours or weeks, impacting functioning. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for managing symptoms, reducing risks, and improving overall quality of life.
What are the common symptoms?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by significant changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These fluctuations often involve episodes of mania or hypomania, and/or depressive episodes. These are outlined below:
- Mania involves a significantly elevated or irritable mood, intense fluctuations in energy, emotions, thoughts, behaviour, new ideas and talkativeness. People may engage in behaviours that can cause financial, physical or social damage. Manic episodes are experienced by those who have bipolar I disorder.
- Hypomania is a less severe form of mania whereby the episode is not as long and does not interfere as much with one’s functioning. Hypomanic episodes are experienced by those who have bipolar II disorder.
- Depressive episodes involve a depressed mood in conjunction with a diminished interest in activities, especially those that were once found pleasurable. It is also common to experience fatigue, appetite and weight changes, overwhelming feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, social withdrawal, insomnia and body pains.
Individuals with bipolar disorder can also experience periods of stability, where mood and functioning remain balanced.
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There are several types of bipolar disorder, each presenting unique patterns of mood changes, as described above. The different types of bipolar disorders are defined below:
- Bipolar I Disorder – whereby you experience at least 1 manic episode that has lasted at least 1 week.
- Bipolar II Disorder – whereby you experience episodes of hypomania and depression.
- Cyclothymic disorder – whereby you experience chronic and unstable mood fluctuations that are milder than bipolar disorder.
Why do I feel like this?
The exact cause of bipolar disorder remains unclear, but research highlights several potential risk factors:
Genetic Influence
Individuals with a family history of the condition have a significantly higher risk of developing it themselves. Research suggests that multiple genes may interact to influence susceptibility, though no single gene is responsible.
Brain Chemistry
Chemical imbalances in the brain, particularly involving neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are strongly associated with bipolar disorder. These chemicals regulate mood, energy, and behaviour. Disruptions in their levels can lead to extreme mood swings.
Environmental stressors
Combined Factors
How does therapy help?
Therapy plays a vital role in managing bipolar disorder by providing tools to stabilise mood swings and improve overall well-being. While medication addresses biological aspects, therapy focuses on behavioural, emotional, and cognitive patterns. Combining therapy with medication often yields the best outcomes, empowering individuals to lead balanced, productive lives. Benefits of therapy are further outlined below:
Mood Regulation
Therapy teaches techniques to identify early signs of mood changes, enabling timely intervention and reducing the severity of manic or depressive episodes.
Coping Strategies
Structured sessions help individuals develop personalised coping mechanisms for stress, preventing emotional overwhelm and promoting stability during challenging situations.
Trigger Identification
Therapists guide clients in recognising environmental, emotional, or behavioural triggers, allowing proactive management and reducing the likelihood of relapse.
Improved Communication
Therapy enhances interpersonal skills, fostering healthier relationships and reducing conflicts that can exacerbate mood instability.
Medication Adherence Support
Therapists reinforce the importance of consistent medication use, addressing concerns and misconceptions to improve treatment compliance.
Relapse Prevention
By creating long-term plans and monitoring progress, therapy minimises recurrence of episodes and promotes sustained mental health.
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a Psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychology.
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FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.