Up to 2.3 million Americans have bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that causes intense mood swings. At Sound Psychiatry and Wellness, a virtual psychiatry practice that serving Colorado, Florida, Ohio, and Massachusetts, Drew Pittman, PMHNP, uses telepsychiatry to diagnose and treat bipolar disorder. Depending on your needs, Drew might recommend medication management, counseling or lifestyle changes. Call Sound Psychiatry and Wellness today to schedule a telemedicine consult, or book your appointment online.
Bipolar disorder affects the way you think and behave. It causes you to feel intense emotional highs (mania) followed by severe lows (depression).
All people experience a range of emotions, but if your mood swings affect your energy levels, ability to think clearly, or judgment, seeking help is essential.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder include the following:
As bipolar worsens, you might have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Bipolar disorder affects people from all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including excessive drug or alcohol use and going through periods of high stress. Genetics might also play a role. For example, if you have a sibling or parent with bipolar disorder, you’re more likely to have it as well.
Make a telehealth appointment at Sound Psychiatry and Wellness if you have symptoms of mania or depression and they affect your ability to work or do other routine tasks. That’s particularly true if they’re causing problems in your personal life. There’s no cure for bipolar disorder, but various treatments can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Drew reviews your medical records and asks questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. He also has you fill out a comprehensive psychiatric questionnaire.
Next, Drew compares your responses to the criteria for bipolar disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a book published by the American Psychiatric Association.
If you meet the criteria for bipolar disorder, Drew develops a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment of bipolar disorder depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your life. Drew might recommend:
Finding the right treatment might take some time. Drew may conduct genetic testing before prescribing medication. If one drug doesn’t work well, Drew prescribes something else. Be patient, attend each of your telepsychiatry visits, and follow Drew’s instructions.
Call Sound Psychiatry and Wellness today to schedule a telepsychiatry appointment, or book your visit online.