Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder services offered in Brooklyn, NY

Bipolar Spectrum Disorders are a group of serious mental health conditions characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from high energy mania or hypomania to low energy depression.

In Brooklyn, New York, dual board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Mary Cahill, PMHNP, provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment for Bipolar Spectrum Disorders to help stabilize mood and improve quality of life. To schedule an evaluation contact our office today.

Bipolar Disorder Q&A

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes significant changes in mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. People with bipolar disorder experience mood episodes that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes. These mood shifts can affect sleep, behavior, decision-making, and the ability to complete daily responsibilities. Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, but with proper treatment, many people are able to manage their symptoms and live stable, productive lives.

What symptoms can bipolar disorder cause?

Symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on whether you are experiencing a manic, hypomanic, or depressive episode.

Manic or hypomanic symptoms may include:

  • Feeling unusually energetic, excited, or euphoric
  • Talking very quickly or feeling like your thoughts are racing
  • Sleeping less but not feeling tired
  • Increased impulsivity or risky behavior
  • Increased productivity or restlessness
  • Irritability or agitation

Depressive symptoms may include:

  • Persistent sadness or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in sleep or appetite
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Thoughts of death of suicide

These symptoms can affect your relationships, work, finances, and overall daily functioning if left untreated.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Mary diagnoses bipolar disorder through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. She will evaluate your mood patterns, behavior changes, sleep patterns, psychiatric and medical history, and daily functioning. She uses DSM-5-TR criteria and screening tools to determine whether you may have bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, or another related mood disorder. Because bipolar disorder can sometimes be mistaken for depression or anxiety, an accurate diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Treatment for bipolar disorder typically includes medication management, therapy, and ongoing monitoring. Mood stabilizers and other psychiatric medications may be recommended to help regulate mood and prevent severe mood episodes.

Mary works closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan and provides ongoing follow-up care to help you maintain stability and long-term mental health. To schedule an evaluation with Mary Cahill, PMHNP, contact our office today.