Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Evidence-based, compassionate care for bipolar disorder is offered in-person at our psychiatric clinics or via telemedicine in Texas, Iowa, Washington, Arizona, and Pennsylvania, and other states.
Overview
What is Bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that leads to extreme changes in mood, energy and daily functioning. Such fluctuations may include periods of melancholy and times of higher mood called mania or hypomania.
Unlike normal mood swings, bipolar disease can affect employment, relationships, sleep and overall quality of life. Episodes can be days or weeks long and usually require professional guidance to handle well.
Bipolar disorder is neither a character flaw or something you can overcome by sheer force of will. A health condition that is influenced by brain chemistry, heredity and life events.
The good news is that with the correct care plan, bipolar disorder can be successfully managed. My Psychiatry care offers individualized treatment solutions for bipolar disorder via secure telemedicine in various states and in-person treatment at chosen clinic sites.
Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Changes in mood and behavior in bipolar disorder might differ depending on whether someone is having a manic, hypomanic, or depressed episode. Symptoms may change over time and may be different in different people.
Mood Elevating or Irritable
Feeling unusually joyful, energetic or easily annoyed for long periods of time.
Higher Levels of Energy
Noticeable increase in activity, restlessness or doing more than one thing at a time.
Need Less Sleep
Sleep very little and not feel exhausted, occasionally go days with very little sleep.
Thoughts Running Amok
“Fast thinking, jumping from one idea to the next, or trouble focusing on one thing.”
Impulsive
Spends too much, makes bad decisions or other risky or out-of-character behaviors.
Feeling Blue All the Time
Often feeling gloomy, empty, or hopeless over long periods of time; during times of depression.
Loss of Interest
Less or no enjoyment in things that used to seem meaningful or fun.
Low Energy & Tiredness
Chronic fatigue or lack of motivation, despite getting enough sleep.
Changes in Sleep
Trouble sleeping, waking up often, or sleeping too much.
Trouble concentrating
Difficulty concentrating, making judgments, or remembering essential information.
Types
Bipolar Disorder Types We Treat
There are different forms of bipolar disorder, defined by the pattern and severity of mood episodes. “Getting the diagnosis right is important to get the best treatment approach.
Bipolar Disorder, Type I
Full manic episodes (may be severe, may necessitate hospitalization); Depressive episodes are prevalent too.
Bipolar disorder type II
It is marked by repeated bouts of depression and hypomania (a milder kind of mania that isn’t severe enough to interfere with daily functioning).
Cyclothymic Disorder
A chronic variant of bipolar disorder in which a person has mood shifts that are less severe but last for two years or longer.
Bipolar Disorder with Comorbid Disorders
Bipolar disorder often co-occurs with anxiety, ADHD, substance use and other mental health disorders. All problems are treated simultaneously with best results.
Causes & Risk Factors
Why does bipolar disorder happen?
The cause of bipolar disorder is not a single thing. Biological, psychological, and environmental factors often work together to cause it.
Molecular biology
Bipolar disorder is more likely to happen if someone in your family has had it before.
How brains work
Neurotransmitters control attitude and behavior, and when they are out of balance, they can cause problems.
Stress and bad events
Episodes of depression can be caused by big events, trauma, or long-term stress.
Disruptions in sleep
Sleep problems can make both manic and depressive symptoms worse.
Abuse of Drugs
Abusing drugs or alcohol can make symptoms worse and make episodes happen more often.
Differences in life
A person’s mental stability can be affected by big changes, problems in relationships, or financial stress.
Treatment
Different ways to treat bipolar disorder
Stabilizing your mood, easing your symptoms, and helping you stick to a regular daily routine are all important parts of good care. Treatment plans are made just for you based on your needs.
Evaluation and diagnosis by a psychiatrist
A full evaluation helps your doctor figure out your treatment plan by looking at your symptoms, medical background, and lifestyle.
Management of Medication
Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and other drugs are often used to keep moods stable and stop attacks. Your doctor will keep an eye on how you’re doing and make changes to your treatment as needed.
Therapy Help Lines
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapies based on evidence can help you deal with your symptoms, get better at coping, and become more stable in the long term.
Help with daily life and routines
Getting enough sleep, dealing with stress, and making daily routines are all important parts of managing bipolar disorder.
Continuous Monitoring and Follow-Up
Your treatment plan should change based on your needs and support long-term growth, so make sure you see your doctor regularly.
Getting Help
When to Get Help for Bipolar Disorder
You don’t have to wait until your symptoms get worse before you get help. Getting treatment early can help people do better and stop more disruptive episodes.
Consider reaching out if:
- Your daily life is being affected by your mood swings.
- You go through times of having a lot of energy or being very depressed.
- Things are getting worse at work or in your relationships.
- You are having a hard time dealing with your symptoms on your own.
- You want to hurt yourself or feel unsafe
My Psychiatry Care offers telehealth anxiety care across multiple states, along with in-person services at select clinic locations. We provide care for patients of all ages and accept most major insurance plans.
Psychiatric Mental Health & Family Nurse Practitioner
Meet Faith Agho, PMHNP-BC
- ANCC board certified
- Licensed in 5 states
My name is Faith Agho. I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry. I am passionate about mental health and committed to providing individualized care that recognizes each person’s unique story and needs. My approach is centered on creating a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where you can feel comfortable being honest about what you’re experiencing. At Faith Bridge Behavioral, I believe that seeking help is a sign of strength.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can get regular check-ups, help with managing your medications, and ongoing support through telehealth from the comfort of your own home.
We take most major insurance plans. Coverage can be different, so it’s best to double-check the details when you make your appointment.
The treatment is ongoing and changes as time goes on. Some people feel better within a few weeks, and long-term care focuses on keeping the symptoms from coming back.
Ready to Get Support?
Our compassionate psychiatric team is here to help. Book a new patient appointment today.
