Bipolar what doctor

In bipolar II disorder, the depressive episodes may be severe and require treatment in the hospital. People with cyclothymia experience many periods of hypomanic symptoms, as well as multiple periods of depressive symptoms. While those with cyclothymia may experience both hypomanic and depressive symptoms, they will not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic or depressive episode. For a doctor to diagnose a person with cyclothymia, the person must experience symptoms for at least 2 years, or 1 year in children and adolescents.

In some cases, a person may experience symptoms of bipolar disorder that do not fit into the other three types. In such cases, they may receive a diagnosis that doctors call unspecified bipolar disorder and related disorders or other specified bipolar and related disorders. This will depend on the type, duration, and severity of their symptoms. People with bipolar disorder may not realize that their moods and behavior are disrupting their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Because of this, people who have bipolar disorder often do not get the medical attention and treatment they require. This is especially true during their euphoric manic periods. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they experience a depressive episode. Because of this, the doctor may incorrectly diagnose the person with depression instead. Once a doctor diagnoses someone with bipolar disorder, they should see their doctor often to evaluate how well any prescription medications are working.

Also, a doctor may recommend that a person with bipolar disorder talk regularly with a mental health professional. Also, in some cases, a person who has bipolar disorder may not realize that emergency help is necessary.

When this is the case, a friend or relative may need to intervene and get the person the help they need. A person cannot prevent themselves from developing bipolar disorder, but there are treatments that can help them manage the symptoms. If you are in New Jersey or the surrounding area, Harmony Bay Wellness has experienced, caring and dedicated bipolar specialists available. To schedule an appointment, call Your email address will not be published.

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What Does a Bipolar Specialist Do? What Causes Bipolar Disorders? Bipolar I This manic-depressive disorder is able to exist with or without psychotic experiences aka psychotic episodes. Bipolar II An individual with this disorder experiences manic and depressive episodes. Cyclothymic Disorder This is a cyclic disorder resulting in brief episodes of depression and hypomania.

A number of medications for bipolar disorder can be associated with birth defects and can pass through breast milk to your baby.

Certain medications, such as valproic acid and divalproex sodium, should not be used during pregnancy. Also, birth control medications may lose effectiveness when taken along with certain bipolar disorder medications.

Discuss treatment options with your doctor before you become pregnant, if possible. If you're taking medication to treat your bipolar disorder and think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor right away.

Psychotherapy is a vital part of bipolar disorder treatment and can be provided in individual, family or group settings. Several types of therapy may be helpful. These include:. During electroconvulsive therapy ECT , electrical currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure.

ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses. ECT may be an option for bipolar treatment if you don't get better with medications, can't take antidepressants for health reasons such as pregnancy or are at high risk of suicide. Transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS is being investigated as an option for those who haven't responded to antidepressants. Treatments for children and teenagers are generally decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on symptoms, medication side effects and other factors.

Generally, treatment includes:. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. You'll probably need to make lifestyle changes to stop cycles of behavior that worsen your bipolar disorder. Here are some steps to take:.

There isn't much research on alternative or complementary medicine — sometimes called integrative medicine — and bipolar disorder. Most of the studies are on major depression, so it isn't clear how these nontraditional approaches work for bipolar disorder. If you choose to use alternative or complementary medicine in addition to your physician-recommended treatment, take some precautions first:. You may start by seeing your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist.

You may want to take a family member or friend along to your appointment, if possible, for support and to help remember information. Your doctor will likely ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to reserve time to go over any points you want to focus on. Your doctor may ask:. Bipolar disorder care at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Depending on your symptoms, you may also need tests to see whether you have a physical problem, such as an underactive thyroid or an overactive thyroid. If you have bipolar disorder, you'll need to visit your GP regularly for a physical health check. If you're diagnosed with the condition, it's important to talk to your psychiatrist so you're fully involved in the decisions about your treatment and care.

But a person is sometimes not able to make an informed decision about their care or communicate their needs, especially if their symptoms become severe. If this happens, it may be possible to draw up an advance decision.