Bipolar Disorder Treatment Specialist in Jacksonville, FL

During a manic or hypomanic phase, you may feel euphoric, full of energy, and have trouble sleeping. These phases can lead to agitation, irritability, and risky behavior. During periods of depressive affect, individuals may experience profound persistent sadness and a sense of existential despair. These affective disturbances are frequently accompanied by alterations in dietary patterns, sleep dysregulation, and even thoughts about death or suicide. Moreover, mixed states, characterized by the simultaneous manifestation of both manic and depressive symptoms, may also emerge.

Bipolar disorder can further be associated with additional symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, psychosis during severe manic or depressive episodes, cognitive impairment, impulsivity, and substance use disorders. The manifestations of bipolar disorder vary depending on the specific type, which can be bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, or other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.

At Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches, we understand the complexity of bipolar disorder, and we’re here to offer comprehensive and individualized treatment plans. These typically include medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) to manage mood swings and tackle other symptoms. Our team of experienced psychiatrists is committed to delivering the highest quality of care, helping you navigate through your mental health journey. 

• Regular Physical Activity:

We advise our patients to partake in regular physical activity, given its proven efficacy in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety, two characteristic features of bipolar disorder. Regular exercise also improves sleep, boosts mood, and increases energy levels.

• Sleep:

We also understand the importance of a regular sleep pattern in regulating mood and energy levels. Our team can help establish a suitable sleep routine and provide strategies to improve sleep quality.

• Stress Management:

High-stress levels can trigger manic or depressive episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. We offer a range of stress-reducing activities and therapies to help our patients manage their stress levels healthily.

• Avoidance of Substances:

We strongly advise our patients to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as these substances can interfere with medications and trigger manic or depressive episodes.

• Medication Adherence:

Adhering to prescribed medication regimens is crucial in managing bipolar disorder. Our team closely monitors medication adherence to ensure optimal management of the condition.

By making these changes to their daily lives, people with bipolar disorder can feel better, have more stable moods, and have fewer and less severe episodes.

In our experience, men with bipolar disorder often have their first episode in the form of mania, characterized by pronounced impulsive behaviors. In their depressive state, they exhibit more anger, irritability, and restlessness rather than sadness or guilt. Our team is aware that men are more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, particularly during the early stages of the illness. We understand that substance abuse is also more prevalent in men with bipolar disorder, which can intensify the severity of their symptoms and complicate the treatment process.

On the other hand, we have noticed that women often experience their first bipolar episode in the form of depression. Their manic episodes are typically less impulsive, with more occurrences of mixed mania, which includes symptoms of both mania and depression. We know that hormonal fluctuations can impact the severity of their symptoms, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause. Our female patients with bipolar disorder also have a higher lifetime risk of alcohol use disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and migraines.

Despite these gender differences, our team at Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches understands that bipolar disorder can vary significantly from person to person, regardless of their gender. The onset, severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms can differ vastly, necessitating individualized treatment plans. These variations highlight the need for gender-tailored approaches in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of bipolar disorder.

At Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches, we understand the transformative journey of pregnancy and the unique challenges it poses for women diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This mental health condition, characterized by extreme mood swings, can be influenced by significant hormonal changes, increased stress levels, sleep disturbances, and medication management issues that often accompany pregnancy.

• Hormonal Fluctuations and Mood Swings:

The hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy, such as rising levels of estrogen and progesterone, can affect the brain’s biochemistry and potentially trigger episodes of depression or mania in women with bipolar disorder. At Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches, our team of expert psychiatrists can closely monitor these changes to help manage mood symptoms and maintain stability during this period.

• Increased Stress and Anxiety:

Pregnancy is physically and emotionally demanding, often leading to heightened stress and anxiety. These feelings can exacerbate bipolar symptoms, particularly in women who are more sensitive to stress. Our psychiatrists can provide effective coping strategies and support to help manage these challenges.

• Medication Management:

Balancing the management of bipolar disorder medications during pregnancy requires careful consideration and expert guidance. Certain medications may pose risks to the fetus, while others may lose their effectiveness. Our psychiatrists can work closely with patients to adjust or discontinue certain medications as necessary.

• Postpartum Risks:

Women with bipolar disorder are at elevated risk of postpartum depression and psychosis. Our practice offers close monitoring, support, and appropriate treatment during the postpartum period to help manage these potential risks.

• Treatment Options:

At Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to managing bipolar disorder during pregnancy. This includes medication adjustments, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and building strong support systems. Our psychiatrists can work collaboratively with each patient to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.

We also offer behavioral therapy to help women develop effective coping mechanisms for stress and mood symptom management. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 2950 Halcyon Lane Suite 605 Jacksonville, FL 32223. We serve patients from Boynton Beach FL, Delray Beach FL, Palm Beach Gardens FL, Jupiter FL, Stuart FL, Palm City FL, Royal Palm Beach FL, Wellington FL, Vero Beach FL, Citrus Ridge FL, Plantation FL, Sunrise FL, Jacksonville FL, Riverside FL, Port St. Lucie FL, Beau Rivage West FL, Melbourne FL, Palm Bay FL, and surrounding areas.