Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a common mental health condition affecting up to one in 100 Americans. Bipolar disorder isn’t curable, but lifestyle changes, talk therapy, or medication can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. At CareStop Behavioral Health in Warner Robins, Georgia, Terrill Cooper, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, treats bipolar disorder using a conservative and holistic approach. Call CareStop Behavioral Health to schedule bipolar disorder treatment, or book your appointment online today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by mood swings featuring intense highs (mania) and devastating lows (depression). Although everyone experiences mood changes throughout life, drastic shifts can interfere with your ability to make good decisions and maintain healthy relationships. 

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder symptoms include:

• Feeling abnormally upbeat, jumpy, or wired
• Decreased need for sleep
• Poor decision-making
• Racing thoughts
• Increased talkativeness
• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating and focusing
• Suicidal thoughts

Bipolar disorder affects everyone differently. Some people have frequent mood swings, but for others, bipolar episodes are few and far between. 

When should I see a specialist about bipolar disorder?

Make an appointment at CareStop Behavioral Health if you have any symptoms of depression or mania. Bipolar disorder tends to worsen without treatment. Partnering with Cooper can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and get your life under control. 

How do you diagnose bipolar disorder?

Cooper reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if they’re worse at specific times, like when you feel stressed out. He completes a psychiatric assessment and may also order blood work and urinalysis to rule out underlying medical issues that might present similar symptoms, like hormone imbalances.

Lastly, Cooper compares the results of your exam with the criteria for bipolar disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). After confirming your diagnosis, he makes personalized, culturally sensitive treatment recommendations.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

At CareStop Behavioral Health, Cooper treats bipolar disorder with a conservative and holistic approach. He could suggest:

• Counseling (talk therapy)
• Accessing mental health resources online through Better YOUniversity
• Substance abuse treatment (if you have a problem with drugs and/or alcohol)
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Mood stabilizers
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Stress management techniques (for example, yoga and meditation)
• Regular exercise
• Improved sleep hygiene
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet

Most people with bipolar disorder benefit from several of these treatments. Cooper encourages you to be actively involved in this process. If you have questions or concerns, speak up. Your voice and opinions are valued.

At CareStop Behavioral Health, Cooper may only recommend medication as a last resort. If he determines you can benefit from medication, he initiates treatment with the lowest effective dose. 

Afterward, Cooper monitors your progress at routine checkups for potential side effects and adverse reactions. Finding the right bipolar disorder medication often takes trial and error. Be patient, follow Cooper’s instructions, and don’t give up. 

Call CareStop Behavioral Health today to schedule bipolar treatment, or book your appointment online.