Bipolar Disorder

If you feel depressed one minute and overjoyed the next, it could be because of bipolar disorder, a common mental health condition that affects mood. At Ascension Psychiatric Services in Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC, Anthony J. Hall, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, diagnoses and treats bipolar disorder and other mental health challenges to improve your quality of life. Schedule a telemedicine appointment by phone or book one online today.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health struggle that causes mood swings ranging from extreme depression to excitability and feeling euphoric. It can be bothersome and negatively affect your relationships, job, or grades at school. Treatment with Anthony at Ascension Psychiatric Services offers a unique solution geared toward helping you feel active and alert.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Symptoms you may notice because of bipolar disorder include:

• Depression coupled with excitability 
• Fatigue cycled with having lots of energy
• Severe mood swings
• Impulsive decision-making
• Anxiety
• Substance misuse
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Thoughts of suicid

Schedule a telemedicine evaluation with Anthony at the first sign of bipolar disorder, especially if it disrupts your quality of life.

What causes bipolar disorder?

The cause of bipolar disorder isn’t clear, but it tends to run in families. Physical changes in your brain, periods of high stress, and substance use are other risk factors for bipolar disorder. If you have the condition, you may also have an anxiety disorder, eating disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), chronic disease, or ongoing pain.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

To diagnose bipolar disorder and treat it properly, Anthony offers genetic testing and a psychiatric evaluation to review your medical history, thoughts, lifestyle, mood, behavior patterns, and more. He uses this information to determine if you have a mental health disorder and, if so, the best treatment plan.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

To treat bipolar disorder and reduce troublesome symptoms, Anthony offers medication management and virtual psychotherapy (talk therapy). During treatment, he teaches you ways to make lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, practicing relaxation techniques, and finding a strong social support network. 

He also helps you learn to change thought or behavior patterns to stabilize your mood and better deal with potentially worrisome symptoms.

Anthony uses the results from your evaluation and your genetic makeup to tailor a medication management treatment that’s best for you. He follows up with you periodically or as needed to ensure your treatment works effectively.

To get treated for bipolar disorder or find out if you have the condition, call the Ascension Psychiatric Services office, or use the online booking feature today.