Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that, left untreated, can cause great damage to an individual’s career, relationships, and personal well-being. Unfortunately, misunderstanding and stigma around bipolar disorder can prevent people with it from seeking diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that expert help is available, and many people manage their bipolar disorder through psychotherapy and/or medication to lead satisfying and productive lives.
At Union Square Practice, we get to know you so we can develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your circumstances and your goals. Services we provide include:
We offer expertly integrated bipolar disorder treatment at our NYC offices near Midtown Manhattan and via telehealth to patients across New York State.
Common symptoms of highs (manic episodes) may include:
Common symptoms of lows (depressive episodes) may include:
Bipolar is a genetically inherited disorder that causes dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, typically alternating between extreme highs and lows. The severity and duration of these episodes varies from individual to individual. They can last days, weeks, or months, with symptoms that range from extremely obvious to mostly hidden from others.
Having an immediate family member with bipolar disorder can make you up to 5 times more likely to have it. Half of all patients with bipolar disorder show at least some symptoms as children, although symptoms are easily confused with other conditions. Expert diagnosis helps pinpoint whether dramatic mood swings come from bipolar disorder, other causes, or a combination of factors.
Bipolar depression can be extremely severe and should be taken very seriously. Therapy and medication are the typical long-term treatments for bipolar disorder. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
There are four officially recognized types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I Disorder is what most people think of when they hear “bipolar.” It typically involves manic episodes alternating with depressive episodes, but depressive episodes are not present in all cases.
Bipolar II Disorder causes a person to alternate between episodes of extreme depression and hypomania. Hypomania is an “up” mood state that’s less extreme and generally less disruptive than mania.
Cyclothymic Disorder is a milder version in which the depression and hypomania don’t meet the threshold for Bipolar II Disorder.
Other Bipolar and Related Disorders is a catch-all category for situations where symptoms do not quite fit any of the other categories.
A manic episode is a period of heightened or expansive mood. This is often an “up” feeling, although some people experience increased irritation instead or in addition to this. Common characteristics of mania include:
A manic episode does not necessarily include psychosis, but psychosis can co-occur with mania in severe cases, including hallucinations and delusions. To rise to the level of mania, your mood and behaviors during the episode must contrast significantly with your baseline mood and behaviors, such that it’s apparent to those around you.
Hypomania is a less extreme form of mania that is typical of Bipolar II disorder. Hypomanic episodes are often not as apparent from the outside, meaning the condition is likely to go undiagnosed longer or to be misdiagnosed as depression based on the more noticeable depressive episodes.
Yes. Bipolar disorder symptoms overlap with those of many other mood disorders and neuropsychological conditions, so diagnosis requires establishing a clear pattern and ruling out other causes. USP clinicians are qualified to diagnose bipolar disorder whether the symptoms are obvious or more subtle. Once we’ve determined that it’s bipolar disorder, we’ll work on finding a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Bipolar disorder is typically treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Proper medication management can help to smooth out the highs and lows, offering a more stable baseline mood. Even with effective medication, though, treatment for bipolar disorder is a complex process. It’s important to have a consistent care team to monitor progress, fine-tune the treatment plan, and respond to any rising issues.
At Union Square Practice, our psychology and psychiatry professionals work together closely to ensure all parts of your care are in sync. We combine the latest evidence-based treatments with a genuine interest in you and your story, tailoring our approach to meet your priorities and goals. We also work with your family or other close support people to ensure they are informed and aligned on how best to help you going forward.
People with bipolar disorder should see a licensed mental health professional with specific training and experience in this area. Therapy for bipolar disorder involves many techniques used in regular therapy, but tailored to fit the unique challenges of living with this disorder. For instance, you’ll begin to identify the types of events that trigger manic or depressive episodes and develop ways to reframe and respond differently to these events. Therapists also help patients become more aware of pre-episode indicators, which vary from person to person.
By better understanding how bipolar disorder plays out in your life, you can take proactive steps to prevent mood extremes. Mitigating the effects of bipolar disorder typically includes:
Community support is essential to managing bipolar disorder, so our therapists offer expert therapy for individuals with bipolar disorder as well as counseling for their families and others who will be providing support.
People with bipolar disorder need the informed support of those closest to them to help them respond to changing circumstances and stay on track with their treatment plan. Supporting someone during depressive and manic episodes can be emotionally difficult and confusing, and more so if people aren’t properly informed. Family members or friends who don’t understand what’s happening frequently struggle to interact in empathetic and productive ways with the person experiencing bipolar mood swings.
A knowledgeable therapist can offer family members mental health support as well as practical strategies for helping the person struggling with bipolar disorder. This includes:
The most effective treatment plans involve a strategic alignment among the patient, family, close friends, and mental health care professionals. If you’re ready to take these steps, Union Square Practice is a great place to start. Our clinicians have expertise in treating bipolar disorder and they collaborate with each other and with you to personalize your care plan so it works for you.
Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder have symptoms similar to those of ongoing clinical depression, sometimes diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder. The primary difference is that the depression alternates with either manic or hypomanic episodes. Bipolar depression symptoms include:
Bipolar depression can be extremely severe and should be taken very seriously. Therapy and medication are the typical long-term treatments for bipolar disorder. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Union Square Practice is a group of psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists who empower individuals to be the best versions of themselves using the latest science has to offer.
If you or someone you love has or suspects bipolar disorder, we are here to help. Bipolar disorder does not need to keep you from living your best life. Our collaborative, holistic approach to mental health care offers you seamless treatment that evolves with you and responds to changing needs. Meet with your mental health team at our offices in NYC, or take advantage of telehealth services anywhere in New York State. We’re ready to discuss options and find the best customized treatment plan for you.
Reach out to us using any of the contacts below or our general contact form.
