how to start treatment for bipolar disorder houston tx

by Nedra Orn Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Full Answer

What is the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder?

First-line treatments for bipolar depressive episodes include lithium or lamotrigine monotherapy. For more severe cases, can add second mood stabilizer (e.g., lamotrigine combined with lithium or divalproex).

Who do I talk to to get diagnosed with bipolar?

Treatment is best guided by a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (psychiatrist) who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You may have a treatment team that also includes a psychologist, social worker and psychiatric nurse.

How do you get diagnosed and treating bipolar disorder?

To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends blood testing to determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, is causing your symptoms. If the doctor does not find an underlying cause of your symptoms, he or she performs a psychological evaluation.

Can a primary care doctor prescribe bipolar medication?

Primary care physicians can provide life-changing psychiatric and medical treatment and support to patients with bipolar disorder and their families.

How do I ask my doctor for bipolar disorder?

Have your concerns written down on a sheet of paper to make sure you cover all areas. Be specific as to the problems of bipolar depression, hypomania, or mania. Give specific details of mood symptoms and behaviors to the doctor. Describe any severe mood changes, especially anger, depression, and aggressiveness.

What are 5 signs of bipolar?

Symptoms - Bipolar disorderfeeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time.lacking energy.difficulty concentrating and remembering things.loss of interest in everyday activities.feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.feelings of guilt and despair.feeling pessimistic about everything.self-doubt.More items...

Is bipolar 1 or 2 worse?

Both Types Should Be Properly Treated. Since hypomania that occurs in bipolar II is less severe than the mania that occurs in bipolar I disorder, bipolar II is often described as "milder" than bipolar I—but this is not completely accurate.

Does bipolar worsen with age?

Changes in the frequency and severity of episodes are among the most evident changes in bipolar disorder at an older age. Research suggests that older adults with bipolar disorder often experience: more frequent episodes. more depressive episodes and less time spent in manic or hypomanic states.

How long does it take to get diagnosed with bipolar?

On average, it took 3.5 (±5.8) years to confirm a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder following the first major mood episode. Approximately one-fourth of the total sample waited 5 or more years before receiving the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, and 12.4% waited 10 or more years from the first major mood episode.

What can mimic bipolar disorder?

Mental disorders which may be commonly confused with bipolar disorder include Borderline Personality Disorder , Schizoaffective Disorder, Unipolar Depression, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

Who prescribes bipolar medication?

There are many medications for treating bipolar disorder, so a psychiatrist, who is best qualified to identify which drugs work best for a specific patient, should oversee treatment. A psychiatrist is a type of medical doctor (MD or DO) with specialized training in mental health care.

How much is bipolar medication without insurance?

Without insurance, a bipolar disorder patient can pay at least $500/month for minimum treatment. Thats just for two bipolar disorder medications and one psychiatric meds-management appointment. Most patients need more than the minimum.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that brings severe high and low moods and changes in thinking, energy, behavior, and sleep. Also known as manic depression, the disorder gets its name from the highs and lows – the opposite mood “poles” (like the North and South Poles).

Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition that requires ongoing care. Ongoing treatment is more effective than dealing with problems as they occur. The main treatment usually involves “mood stabilizers” and may require antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants. A combination of medications and psychotherapy or “talk therapy” is often recommended.