What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar illness is a mood disorder that characteristically involves cycles of "low" mood (depression) and "high" mood (mania). Changes in mood from high to low and back again can be dramatic and rapid. Symptoms of both depressive and manic episodes may be mild or severe, the latter oftentimes leading to impaired functioning.
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?
Depression is the "low pole" in bipolar disorder and can be characterized by several of the following:
• Refusing to get out of bed for days
• Sleeping much more than usual
• Being tired all the time, but unable
to sleep
• Having bouts of uncontrollable crying
• Becoming entirely uninterested in
things you once enjoyed
• Paying no attention to daily responsibilities
• Feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless for a
sustained period of time
• Inability to make simple decisions
•Wanting to die
Mania is the "high pole" in bipolar disorder, and can manifest itself in several of the following ways:
• Feeling like you can do anything,
even if unsafe or illegal
• Needing very little sleep, yet never
feeling tired
• Feeling angry and irritable all the time
• Dressing flamboyantly, spending
money extravagantly, living recklessly
• Having increased sexual desire, perhaps
even engaging in risky sexual behaviors
• Experiencing hallucinations or delusions
Usually, depression and mania occur as isolated episodes and do not overlap. However, sometimes the symptoms of depression and mania occur simultaneously, and these are called mixed state episodes.
Mixed states may feel like:
• Depression with symptoms of mania such as restlessness, insomnia, or irritability
• Mania with symptoms of depression such as low mood, crying, feeling hopeless
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness, and at present there is no single, uniform treatment. However most people can achieve stability and balance in their mood, as well as a reduction of symptoms with the right combination of medication, therapy, determination, and of course the support of loved ones. With a uniquely tailored Family-Inclusive Treatment (FIT) at the Zirinsky Center, our patients go on to reach their dreams, accomplish their goals, and live happy and balanced lives.
Do I have to have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder to receive treatment?
Yes. Our Center specializes in Bipolar Disorder, and as such we can only accept clients who have one of the following diagnoses:
- Bipolar Disorder I
- Bipolar Disorder II
- Bipolar Disorder NOS
How do I enroll in treatment at the Zirinsky Center?
To schedule an evaluation or an appointment with one of our clinicians at the Zirinsky Center, please contact Krystel Assounga at (212) 420-2302 or Krystel.assounga@mountsinai.org. Please note that when scheduling an evaluation, you will need to select a treatment partner to accompany you.
What happens once I complete my evaluation?
Once you complete your evaluation and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder has been confirmed, you and your evaluating clinicians will decide if treatment at the Zirinsky Center is the best and most appropriate course of action. If it is, your evaluating clinician will design a unique treatment plan that will be tailored to your specific situation.
Who is a "Treatment Partner"?
A “Treatment Partner” can be anyone that knows you well and can accompany you to your evaluation, as well as stay involved in your ongoing treatment. Treatment Partners are usually parents, significant others, siblings, and friends.
Do I have to have a treatment partner if I am a client in the Zirinsky Center?
Yes. Involvement of family and/or other loved ones is something we believe in very strongly, and it is also what makes our Center unique. We believe that the stability and health of our clients’ relationships with the people who are closest to them are an indispensable component of successful treatment outcome.
What are your fees?
Our fees can vary greatly, depending on the services that are being provided. Please call us for more information regarding fees and payment options.