Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects around one in 40 American adults. At Insight Psychiatric Services, PA, experienced board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Kevin Joseph, DNP, PMHNP-BC, offers compassionate support for bipolar disorder, including time-limited therapy and medication management. Dr. Joseph sees patients in the Sunrise, Florida, office and through telemedicine. Book an appointment online today or call the office.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which your mood, energy level, and behaviors can change dramatically, disrupting your daily life. Everyone experiences ups and downs, but bipolar disorder is far more intense and impactful.

Bipolar disorder features mood episodes, including manic episodes (the highs), depressive episodes (the lows), and hypomanic episodes (like mania but not as intense).

What are the types of bipolar disorder?

There are three main classifications of bipolar disorder, each with unique characteristics.

Bipolar I disorder

Bipolar I disorder features manic episodes. Manic behavior includes extraordinarily high energy, decreased sleep, faster speech, racing thoughts, increased physical activity, and reckless behavior.

Some people with bipolar I disorder will experience depressive or hypomanic episodes, while most have neutral moods. Manic episodes usually require hospitalization.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder features at least one major depressive episode and one or more hypomanic episodes. Typical symptoms include sadness, lack of pleasure in regular activities, low energy, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a less-severe form of bipolar disorder. It features frequent hypomania and depressive symptoms that continue for at least two years.

Bipolar disorder symptoms can sometimes be similar to the symptoms of depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other mental and behavioral disorders. It can also mimic some physical conditions. Because of this, many people take a long time to get the diagnosis and treatment they need.

At Insight Psychiatric Services, PA, you can get timely diagnosis and treatment with ongoing support. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

At Insight Psychiatric Services, PA, Dr. Joseph offers medical options, including inpatient hospital care, daytime hospital care, in-office care, and telemedicine. 

The best solution for many people with bipolar disorder is a combination of time-limited psychotherapy and medication. Dr. Joseph offers different levels of care so that he can tailor treatment to your personal needs.

Your first appointment is a one-hour evaluation. Following that, you’ll typically have 30-minute medication management visits in addition to psychotherapy sessions.

You can move beyond the boundaries of bipolar disorder and live a life full of possibilities and optimism. To learn more about how treatment at Insight Psychiatric Services, PA, can help you, call the office now or click the online appointment feature.