Bipolar Disorder
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Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Colorado Springs
​Bipolar disorder may feel unpredictable — periods of elevated energy or mood (mania/hypomania) and times of deep depression, sometimes without clear trigger. At Rain Tree Mental Health, we specialize in comprehensive evaluation and medication management for bipolar disorder in adults in Colorado Springs and via telehealth across Colorado. Our aim is to help you achieve stability, understand your story, and build a plan that supports a meaningful life.
What is bipolar disorder?
​Bipolar disorder is a mood‑based brain condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, activity level, and thinking. Unlike routine ups and downs, these shifts interfere with functioning and often involve distinct episodes of mania or hypomania (elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity) and depression (low mood, decreased energy, hopelessness).
Common signs of bipolar disorder in adults
​People may experience symptoms from manic/hypomanic episodes, depressive episodes, or both.
Signs of elevated mood / hypomania / mania:
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Periods of unusually high energy, restlessness, or racing thoughts
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Talking more or faster than usual
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Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired
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Feeling invincible or overly confident
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Impulsive decisions, risk‑taking, or spending sprees
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Being easily distracted or jumping rapidly between ideas
Signs of depressive episodes:
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Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
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Loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy
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Fatigue or slowed thinking
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Changes in appetite or sleep (too much or too little)
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Trouble concentrating or making decisions
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Thoughts of death or suicide
You do not need to experience all symptoms listed here to have bipolar disorder. The pattern varies significantly from person to person.
How we evaluate bipolar disorder at Rain Tree Mental Health
Evaluating bipolar disorder requires careful attention to your history, mood patterns, and overall well‑being. An evaluation may include:
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A detailed discussion of current symptoms and how they impact daily life
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Review of mood episodes, sleep patterns, energy levels, and how long changes last
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History of medications, mental health conditions, trauma, or substance use
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Screening tools to better understand your symptoms
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Consideration of medical issues that can mimic bipolar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders
We explain our impressions in clear language and work together to determine whether bipolar disorder fits your experience and what treatment steps make sense.
Treatment and medication management
If bipolar disorder is part of the picture, treatment may include:
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Mood stabilizers or atypical antipsychotics tailored to your history and symptoms
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Education about your unique mood patterns and warning signs
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Support in establishing healthy sleep and daily routines
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Coordination with therapists, primary care providers, or other specialists
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Monitoring for safety, especially during mood elevation
You remain in control of your treatment decisions. Follow‑up visits focus on what is improving, what feels unstable, and whether medication adjustments are needed.
Is it bipolar or something else?
Mood shifts, irritability, changes in sleep, or fluctuating energy can be caused by many things — including ADHD, anxiety, trauma, thyroid conditions, medication effects, or substance use. We help sort through these possibilities with you rather than rely on assumptions. If bipolar disorder isn’t the primary explanation, we clearly explain what we do see and how we can still support your mental health.