Melissa DiPaolis
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Empathy Health offers compassionate and comprehensive mental health care tailored to your needs. Our dedicated team is committed to providing effective treatment and support for people with bipolar disorder, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
During our patient intake process, you’ll receive a thorough, in-person physical and mental health evaluation. Over the 60-minute session, your doctor will take an in-depth medical history and perform diagnostic tests to help confirm whether you have bipolar disorder; many bipolar symptoms are similar to those in people with ADHD, borderline personality disorder and major depression. Your doctor will evaluate the results of your tests and discuss your treatment options.
After your initial session, you’ll need to attend monthly in-person and online follow-up appointments. These sessions help your doctor monitor the success and progress of your treatment plan and determine if there are any side effects from your medications. Then, your doctor can adjust your plan to find the most effective treatment.
It can be challenging to treat bipolar disorder. In addition to medication, your psychiatrist for bipolar disorder will likely recommend online talk therapy sessions once or twice each week. These sessions simplify bipolar treatment to help support your progress. We use science-backed strategies, like cognitive-behavioral and social rhythm therapy, to help you reach your mental health goals.
Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression, is a serious mental health condition that causes abnormal and extreme shifts in mood. While everyone experiences mood swings, in people with bipolar disorder, these ups and downs are more severe.
There are various types of bipolar disorder, categorized according to the severity of the changes in mood state. These types include bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder.
Bipolar I disorder means you have a history of at least one manic episode, as well as occasional hypomanic and depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by slightly less extreme highs but a similar depressive episode intensity to bipolar I. Cyclothymic disorder causes more chronic mood instability, but the fluctuations are less intense and occur less frequently than those in people with bipolar I and II.
Regardless of the type of bipolar disorder, mood changes often happen cyclically and lead to similar symptoms. Some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
The mania phase involves an elevated or irritable mood, increased energy or activity and a decreased need for sleep. Other symptoms may include racing thoughts, reckless behavior and poor judgment. In severe cases, psychosis can occur, including delusions or hallucinations. Many causes can trigger manic episodes, including lack of sleep, intense stress and major life changes.
Similar to mania but less severe, hypomanic episodes involve milder symptoms lasting at least four days. Individuals may feel euphoric, energetic and productive, but the symptoms do not often impair daily functioning.
The depressive phase involves feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. Other symptoms may include appetite changes or weight fluctuations, sleep issues, fatigue, poor concentration and thoughts of death or suicide.
Managing manic triggers can be challenging for people with bipolar disorder. At Empathy Health, our approach includes personalized therapy, effective medications and coping strategies to help stabilize mood swings and prevent manic episodes. We offer mindfulness techniques, stress management tools and lifestyle adjustments to maintain balance. Our goal is to empower you with the skills and knowledge to identify and manage manic triggers effectively, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.
For people with bipolar disorder, consistently taking prescribed medications can be difficult due to side effects, forgetfulness or a false sense of well-being when symptoms improve. At Empathy Health, we offer support to help you stick to your medication regimen. Our services include medication management and educational resources to ensure you understand the importance of your treatment plan for better mood stability.
If you are looking for a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder in Orlando, FL, contact Empathy Health. Our team of therapists is experienced in treating a range of mental health conditions, from bipolar disorder to adult ADHD to anxiety disorders. Request an appointment today to take the first steps to getting your life back on track.
In-person, this time will be spent evaluating your physical and mental health to provide a treatment plan that is customized for your specific needs.
Online or in-person, monthly follow-up appointments are required for all patients to ensure the success of your treatment and that your health goals are being met.
Online or in person. this is designated for individuals to process and explore their thoughts. Typically, meetings are weekly or bi-weekly.
Discover what our clients are saying about their experiences with our Bipolar Disorder Treatment. Their stories highlight the positive impact we’ve made on their journey towards better mental health and well-being.
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Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood shifts can range from periods of elevated energy and euphoria to profound sadness and hopelessness.
There are several types of bipolar disorder, including:
Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary depending on the type and severity of the condition but may include:
