Best Bipolar Psychiatrist Near Me

How does a psychiatrist diagnose bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed mental health conditions. Bipolar disorder does not mean mood swings. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder requires a manic episode, a week-long period of intense energy and minimal sleep, with bizarre behavior and beliefs. Mania causes significant disability and often hospitalization. Symptoms of a manic episode in bipolar disorder include:

  • At least one week of barely sleeping but not feeling tired at all

  • Extremely euphoric and elated mood, or profound irritability

  • Unshakeable conviction of having special abilities, achievements, or personal connections

  • Talking so fast that others cannot understand them

  • Thoughts moving so fast that they cannot keep up with them

  • Excessive engagement in unusual, pointless, or disorganized tasks or activities

  • Poor safety awareness, with impulsive or risky behaviors that are out of character

  • Paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations

CAN a psychiatrist TEST FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Dr. Smith takes many factors into account when diagnosing bipolar disorder, including screening tests. Take a short bipolar disorder screening test to measure your symptoms. (Responses are anonymous.)

What medications does Dr. Smith prescribe for BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Medications for bipolar disorder symptoms fall into three categories:

  • Antipsychotics (e.g., Abilify, Geodon, Latuda, Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa)

  • Mood stabilizers (e.g., Depakote, Lamictal, Tegretol, Trileptal)

  • Lithium

Medication for bipolar disorder presents special challenges. People who have bipolar disorder frequently express dissatisfaction with their bipolar medications. Dr. Smith prioritizes patient input in decision-making. He strives to use the fewest medications possible, at the lowest dose, and with the least side effects. Sometimes, the process takes trial and error, because side effects to bipolar medications are unpredictable. As a bipolar specialist, Dr. Smith listens carefully to the patient, while also sharing his own knowledge and experience. Forming a solid working partnership between doctor and patient is necessary to find the right medications to control bipolar disorder and increase quality of life.

HOW DO I talk to Dr. Smith about this?

Contact Dr. Smith about evaluation and treatment of bipolar disorder.