Bipolar Disorder Specialist

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania (emotional highs) and depression (emotional lows). These episodes can lead to unpredictable changes in your behaviors that make it challenging to meet your responsibilities.

The underlying cause of bipolar disorder isn’t well understood, but your genetic history or differences in your brain chemistry can increase your risk for the condition. Other potential triggers of bipolar disorder can include extended periods of high stress or the abuse of drugs or alcohol.

When should I seek treatment for bipolar disorder?

The manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can cause a wide variety of symptoms that affect your quality of life.

Symptoms of mania can include:

• Racing thoughts
• Increased energy
• Increased agitation
• Excessive talkativeness
• Poor decision-making skills

Some people may also develop periods of psychosis, a detachment from reality during a manic episode that can put themselves and others at risk for physical harm.

Symptoms of a depressive episode can include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. You may also lose interest in your usual activities, experience insomnia, or feel chronically fatigued.

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a diagnostic evaluation without delay. The Waterside Psychiatry team offers telehealth evaluations for symptoms of bipolar disorder through an online platform, so you can get the treatment you need to improve your quality of life.

It’s also vital that you schedule an evaluation right away if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or engaging in reckless behaviors or acts of self-harm. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

The team at Waterside Psychiatry offers comprehensive psychiatric assessments via the telehealth platform to determine if your symptoms relate to bipolar disorder or another condition. They ask a wide range of questions about your lifestyle and behaviors during your telehealth appointment and review your personal and family medical histories.

To help you manage the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, the team may recommend strategies like:

• Lifestyle changes
• Psychological counseling
• Substance abuse treatment
• Medications

If you have psychosis or other severe bipolar symptoms or are at increased risk for suicide, you may need a period of hospitalization to stabilize your moods.

The medical team continues to monitor your success with treatment through routine follow-up appointments and can make adjustments to your medications as necessary.

If you have concerns about bipolar disorder symptoms in your or your child, call Waterside Psychiatry today or book an appointment online.