Bipolar Disorder

If you have extreme mood swings that shift from low to highs and negatively affect your daily life, turn to First Cornerstone Health LLC, serving patients in and around Atlanta, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington, and Florida. Chinwe Ibiam DNP, AGACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, APRN, diagnoses and treats bipolar disorder to stabilize your mood. Call the office or book a telehealth appointment online today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression, is a mental health concern that causes excessive, uncontrollable changes in your mood. People with bipolar disorder have mood swings that range from feeling very happy (mania) to periods of severe depression.

This mood disorder usually develops during young adulthood, but it also affects children and teens. If you have bipolar disorder, it’s not uncommon to be misdiagnosed with  attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), personality disorder, or other mental health conditions.

Receiving the right diagnosis and treatment plan is vital for your overall health and well-being. As an experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Chinwe conducts comprehensive mental health assessments to determine the root cause of your fluctuations in emotions. 

What are the hallmark symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is characterized by having mania and depression.

Depression

Depression causes you to feel sad, low, or anxious. You may also feel tired, restless, and unmotivated. Depression is the most common symptom of bipolar disorder, but must also experience periods of mania or hypomania to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. 

Mania

Mania, of feeling overjoyed, occurs when your mood is up. You feel happy and energetic, but also quick to anger or irritable. Some people with bipolar disorder experience episodes of feeling overconfident and full of energy (euphoria) that may lead to poor decision-making.

What happens during a bipolar disorder consultation?

Chinwe completes a patient-centered consultation via telehealth visits at First Cornerstone Health. She begins a thorough assessment that includes a review of your daily routine, medications, symptoms, and physical and mental medical histories.

She conducts psychological testing to obtain a better understanding of your current emotional state, including your emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and more. 

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment to stabilize your mood. After confirming a diagnosis, Chinwe spends time reviewing treatment options that can restore your mental well-being and help you thrive in interpersonal relationships, at work, or in school.

Treatment for bipolar disorder includes medication management with antidepressants or mood stabilizers and psychotherapy (talk therapy). Chinwe also encourages you to get regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, try stress-reduction strategies, and get plenty of sleep. It’s good to have a strong social support network in place as well.

To find symptom relief from bipolar disorder, call First Cornerstone Health or schedule a telehealth appointment online today.