Dr. Ananya Rao
Adult Psychiatry
MD Psychiatry
Leads the inpatient psychiatric team, with a focus on mood and anxiety disorders.
Conditions · Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder involves intense shifts in mood, energy and activity — from elevated, driven highs to deep lows. It is a long-term condition, and with the right medication and routine, stability is very achievable.
Bipolar I & IICyclothymiaMixed episodes
What it can look like
Signs of bipolar disorder
Not everyone experiences every sign, and intensity varies. If several of these sound familiar, an assessment is worth having.
- Manic phases: elevated or irritable mood, reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts
- Unusual confidence, talkativeness and impulsive decisions
- Easy distractibility and a surge of goal-directed activity
- Depressive phases: deep sadness, numbness, low energy and guilt
- Changes in sleep and appetite, loss of interest, hopelessness
- Mixed episodes where high energy and low mood occur together
Free self-check
Unsure what you are experiencing?
Take a two-minute reflection based on the signs above. It is private, and it is not a diagnosis.
6 short questions
A two-minute check-in on bipolar disorder
You will see one question at a time. There are no right or wrong answers, and nothing is saved.
Understanding it
Types & presentations of bipolar disorder
Bipolar I
At least one manic episode, sometimes severe enough to need hospital care.
Bipolar II
Hypomanic (milder) episodes alternating with significant depression.
Cyclothymia
Frequent mood swings of lesser intensity lasting at least two years.
Mixed features
Manic and depressive symptoms occurring at the same time.
The Sakura approach
How we treat bipolar disorder
Every plan is individual, but care generally moves through these stages.
- 01
Stabilise
Safe inpatient care when needed, with medication to settle an acute manic or depressive episode.
- 02
Optimise medication
Mood stabilisers are carefully selected, titrated and monitored.
- 03
Psychoeducation & therapy
CBT, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and family-focused work.
- 04
Early-warning plan
You and your family learn the first signs of a relapse and exactly what to do.
Care pathways
Care pathways for bipolar disorder
Care depends on whether you are in an acute episode or working on long-term stability.
Acute mania, severe depression or mixed episodes
Inpatient stabilisation
A safe, low-stimulation setting with daily psychiatric review while medication settles the episode.
During an acute episode the priority is safety and sleep. A contained setting with daily psychiatric review allows medication to be adjusted quickly and risks to be managed.
- 24/7 nursing and daily psychiatrist review
- Mood stabiliser and antipsychotic optimisation
- Sleep restoration and routine
- Family briefing and discharge planning
People in a manic, severe depressive or mixed episode, or whose behaviour is putting themselves or others at risk.
Settled mood and sleep, a clear diagnosis and medication plan, and a family that understands what to do next.
Between episodes, or milder mood instability
Long-term stability programme
Regular medication review with therapy to protect sleep, spot early warning signs and prevent relapse.
Bipolar disorder is long-term. Regular medication review, protected routines and early recognition of warning signs prevent small shifts from becoming full episodes.
- Medication monitoring and blood-level checks
- Psychoeducation and social-rhythm therapy
- Mood and sleep tracking
- Written early-warning and crisis plan
People between episodes, those with milder mood instability, and anyone leaving inpatient care.
Fewer and shorter episodes, steadier work and relationships, and confidence in a written early-warning plan.
Helping yourself between sessions
- Protect sleep — it is the most powerful mood stabiliser
- Track mood, sleep and energy daily
- Take medication exactly as prescribed, even when well
- Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs
If you are supporting someone you love
- Learn the early warning signs of mania and depression
- Keep routines predictable at home
- Do not argue with grandiose plans — discuss them calmly later
- Know who to call, and when, in a crisis
Where care happens
Choose the level of care that fits
Meet the specialists
The clinicians who will look after you
A named psychiatrist and therapist from day one.
Questions answered
Your questions about bipolar disorder
Straight answers to what people and families ask us most.
Our care team is happy to talk it through — no obligation.
A mood disorder with alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression, formerly called manic depression.
Bipolar I, Bipolar II, cyclothymia and mixed-feature presentations.
A period where symptoms of mania and depression occur together. It can be particularly distressing and needs prompt care.
Yes. With consistent treatment, regular routines and support, most people achieve long periods of stability.
CBT, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), DBT-informed skills and family-focused therapy — alongside medication.
Bipolar disorder is usually managed long term. Doses and combinations are reviewed regularly, and decisions are always made with you.
When to seek help
Sleeping very little yet feeling energised, spending or risk-taking out of character, or lows that will not lift — seek an assessment promptly.
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital. In India, the Tele MANAS helpline is 1-800-891-4416.