Diagnosis and long-term management for Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder.
Bipolar disorder involves shifts between depressive episodes and periods of elevated mood or energy (mania or hypomania), which can affect judgment, sleep, and daily functioning. Because it's often mistaken for depression alone — especially early on — an accurate diagnosis matters. We take the time to understand your full history before recommending a treatment plan, then manage it with you over the long term, since bipolar disorder is typically a lifelong condition that's very manageable with consistent care.
Bipolar I involves full manic episodes, which can be severe enough to disrupt work, relationships, or safety. Bipolar II involves hypomania — a milder elevated state — alongside depressive episodes that are often the more prominent and disruptive part of the illness.
Some antidepressants, if used without a mood stabilizer in a person with bipolar disorder, can trigger or worsen manic episodes. Getting the diagnosis right up front shapes which medications are safe and effective for you.
Typically, yes — it's a chronic condition, but with consistent medication management and routine follow-up, most people achieve long stretches of stability. Recognizing early warning signs of a shift is a key part of ongoing care.
