Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Encinitas, CA
![Photo of Dr. Adarezza Ferrer, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4917dda2-684c-4197-960d-c78934e8a5f2/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a board-certified psychiatrist committed to providing compassionate mental health care. I have extensive experience working with young and older adult populations, treating mood disorders and behavioral problems. Common conditions I work with include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
I am a board-certified psychiatrist committed to providing compassionate mental health care. I have extensive experience working with young and older adult populations, treating mood disorders and behavioral problems. Common conditions I work with include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
![Photo of Mehdi Bubba Thomas, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e3ed7dd-ee5c-4967-ac9b-50ca5d762dcd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mehdi Bubba Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Encinitas, CA 92024 (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
![Photo of Adam Borecky, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db43a63b-c9f5-4fc3-acb6-b4ca51af404f/1/320x400.png)
Borecky's training and experience enable him to treat a wide range of mental health issues, including (but not limited to): Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Bipolar Disorder (Types I & II), Schizophrenia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Dr. Adam Borecky, based in Encinitas, CA, combines expertise and empathy in psychiatry. Trained at Loma Linda University, with over 16,640 hours in patient care, he specializes in diverse mental health disorders. As an out-of-network provider, he dedicates ample time to understand patient needs deeply, crafting creative solutions. Dr. Borecky's work on the 'Connection Index' and 'Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast' showcases his commitment to advancing mental health. Choose him for in-depth, individualized care.
Borecky's training and experience enable him to treat a wide range of mental health issues, including (but not limited to): Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Bipolar Disorder (Types I & II), Schizophrenia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Dr. Adam Borecky, based in Encinitas, CA, combines expertise and empathy in psychiatry. Trained at Loma Linda University, with over 16,640 hours in patient care, he specializes in diverse mental health disorders. As an out-of-network provider, he dedicates ample time to understand patient needs deeply, crafting creative solutions. Dr. Borecky's work on the 'Connection Index' and 'Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast' showcases his commitment to advancing mental health. Choose him for in-depth, individualized care.
![Photo of Dr. Theodore Germanos, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/313be45b-289e-446c-ab6a-5bd239b3913d/1/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to work with each patient and each family as a team when identifying how I may be helpful, determining areas of concern or diagnoses, and developing a comprehensive treatment plan. Common diagnoses in those that I work with include ADHD, autism, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, behavioral concerns, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance use, addiction, and emotional dysregulation.
My goal is to work with each patient and each family as a team when identifying how I may be helpful, determining areas of concern or diagnoses, and developing a comprehensive treatment plan. Common diagnoses in those that I work with include ADHD, autism, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, behavioral concerns, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance use, addiction, and emotional dysregulation.
![Photo of Dmitry Primak, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c3ab89c-986f-47c2-bbd9-db7fbaefbbd1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dmitry E. Primak, M.D. is Board Certified and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and has been practicing psychiatry since 1973 after graduation from Zaporozhye Medical University, Ukraine. Dr. Primak has completed psychiatry residency training at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY and has extensive experience in treatment of variety of conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chemical addiction, and other psychological disorders.
Dmitry E. Primak, M.D. is Board Certified and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and has been practicing psychiatry since 1973 after graduation from Zaporozhye Medical University, Ukraine. Dr. Primak has completed psychiatry residency training at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY and has extensive experience in treatment of variety of conditions, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chemical addiction, and other psychological disorders.
![Photo of Jeremy Flagel, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/474bf258-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
What we call depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, dementia and schizophrenia involve whole body processes.
Conventionally and holistically trained, I'm a psychiatrist also certified in Functional Medicine. Applying an integrative and functional approach to psychiatry provides a more complete model to treating chronic illness. We partner to evaluate how your unique biology, history, lifestyle and environment are contributing to disease. Taking a wider lens to view the systems involved in underlying disease we can focus on healing root causes, rather than just trying to cover up the symptoms. Seeking short term relief while planning long term recovery, together, we seek the right balance of body, mind and spirit.
What we call depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, dementia and schizophrenia involve whole body processes.
Conventionally and holistically trained, I'm a psychiatrist also certified in Functional Medicine. Applying an integrative and functional approach to psychiatry provides a more complete model to treating chronic illness. We partner to evaluate how your unique biology, history, lifestyle and environment are contributing to disease. Taking a wider lens to view the systems involved in underlying disease we can focus on healing root causes, rather than just trying to cover up the symptoms. Seeking short term relief while planning long term recovery, together, we seek the right balance of body, mind and spirit.
![Photo of Sarita R Shah, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6f97b98-8916-4ee4-b4ae-9ac76a37ef24/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I am a board certified general adult psychiatrist. I work with people to live their most fulfilling lives while managing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I also have specialty training in maternal mental health, encompassing pre-conception counseling, pregnancy, and postpartum mental health concerns. My goal is for us to build a relationship where we decide on a treatment plan together that prioritizes your goals.
Welcome! I am a board certified general adult psychiatrist. I work with people to live their most fulfilling lives while managing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. I also have specialty training in maternal mental health, encompassing pre-conception counseling, pregnancy, and postpartum mental health concerns. My goal is for us to build a relationship where we decide on a treatment plan together that prioritizes your goals.
![Photo of Jordan Blaine, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/864f044f-4005-409d-a97f-db055affd196/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Blaine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Encinitas, CA 92023 (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and OCD.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Amy Milroy, DNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c080df1-0ba1-4d29-ad66-4ba1eb5342a7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Milroy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92023
Are you ready to heal? Let's work together! You may be experiencing ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, OCD, substance use, or other concerns, and you are seeking wellness. Appointments with me provide personalized blends of medicine and therapy. I have special expertise in ADHD, PTSD and CPTSD, anxiety, and depression. I offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in clinic and retreat settings in California, as well as via telehealth in California and Illinois. I also provide regular medication management and therapy via telehealth in CA, IL, and NM. I'm here for you whether you're wanting progressive or traditional approaches.
Are you ready to heal? Let's work together! You may be experiencing ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, OCD, substance use, or other concerns, and you are seeking wellness. Appointments with me provide personalized blends of medicine and therapy. I have special expertise in ADHD, PTSD and CPTSD, anxiety, and depression. I offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in clinic and retreat settings in California, as well as via telehealth in California and Illinois. I also provide regular medication management and therapy via telehealth in CA, IL, and NM. I'm here for you whether you're wanting progressive or traditional approaches.
![Photo of Mottsin Thomas, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18ab648c-e33a-4bf0-9874-e7054a2a4722/2/320x400.jpeg)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS-Bonmente knows asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be.
![Photo of Todd Benjamin Young, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/423d10d1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Young is a board-certified psychiatrist serving the communities of Northern San Diego County, with offices conveniently located in Encinitas. He has extensive experience treating children, adolescents, and adults, both in outpatient and acute care settings. Areas of focus include mood and anxiety disorders, addictions, ADHD, psychotic disorders, trauma-related conditions, behavioral disorders, and many others.Primary treatment modalities include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, using applied principles of psychodynamic psychiatry, functional medicine, nutrition, healthy relationships, personal development and lifestyle design
Dr. Young is a board-certified psychiatrist serving the communities of Northern San Diego County, with offices conveniently located in Encinitas. He has extensive experience treating children, adolescents, and adults, both in outpatient and acute care settings. Areas of focus include mood and anxiety disorders, addictions, ADHD, psychotic disorders, trauma-related conditions, behavioral disorders, and many others.Primary treatment modalities include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, using applied principles of psychodynamic psychiatry, functional medicine, nutrition, healthy relationships, personal development and lifestyle design
15 Second Videos
Adarezza Ferrer
Jordan Blaine
Amy Milroy
Kayse Budd
Vanessa Velez
![Photo of Dr. David Joel Printz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33df2aea-566b-4ee6-8bff-7667a93a9a9b/1/320x400.jpeg)
After discussing your symptoms and issues, within the context of your life story, I will provide you with a clinical assessment and a range of treatment options for us to consider together. These will usually include a range of medication options (with side effects and risks discussed), psychotherapies and other somatic treatment (e.g., ketamine, TMS.)
After discussing your symptoms and issues, within the context of your life story, I will provide you with a clinical assessment and a range of treatment options for us to consider together. These will usually include a range of medication options (with side effects and risks discussed), psychotherapies and other somatic treatment (e.g., ketamine, TMS.)
![Photo of Mariel Janowsky, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b26a2704-8b21-46e5-910b-3544e7f7134e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I am a physician trained in Family Medicine and Psychiatry, with a focus in Integrative Wellness and Trauma-Informed Care. I see myself as a partner to help guide you to your destination. In doing so, I use a variety of modalities including therapy and mind-body techniques. I have had training in multiple types of treatment, including hypnosis, inte
Welcome! I am a physician trained in Family Medicine and Psychiatry, with a focus in Integrative Wellness and Trauma-Informed Care. I see myself as a partner to help guide you to your destination. In doing so, I use a variety of modalities including therapy and mind-body techniques. I have had training in multiple types of treatment, including hypnosis, inte
![Photo of Brooke Marino, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c8abffd-0058-4721-90ce-d576c5302f20/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brooke Marino
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
The best part of what I do is getting to meet individuals from all different walks of life. No matter where your journey began or where you currently are, I acknowledge that in this life, we all could use a little support sometimes. When it comes to your mental health, I recognize that your needs are specific to you; treatment is not one-size-fits-all. My goal is to be the best advocate I can be for my patients and to provide holistic care, addressing patient concerns from all angles. I am passionate about the relationship between mental and physical health. I firmly believe that they must work together to promote overall wellbeing.
The best part of what I do is getting to meet individuals from all different walks of life. No matter where your journey began or where you currently are, I acknowledge that in this life, we all could use a little support sometimes. When it comes to your mental health, I recognize that your needs are specific to you; treatment is not one-size-fits-all. My goal is to be the best advocate I can be for my patients and to provide holistic care, addressing patient concerns from all angles. I am passionate about the relationship between mental and physical health. I firmly believe that they must work together to promote overall wellbeing.
![Photo of Kayse Budd, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8f70f4a-87ec-419d-96cc-17b33aee65cf/4/320x400.png)
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a holistic psychiatrist who's also an artist, yoga instructor, & astrologer. I spent 12 years working with Andrew Weil MD's Integrative Medicine Program at the Univ of Arizona & Deepak Chopra/Chopra Center in Southern CA. I love helping people find purpose, live healthy + balanced lifestyles, & reach their potential. Mild depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress, path-finding, & burnout are my specialties. My practice is entirely online. Though conventionally trained at Duke University, Univ of Michigan Med School, & Univ of Arizona Psychiatry Residency, I practice in a unique & integrative way.
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a holistic psychiatrist who's also an artist, yoga instructor, & astrologer. I spent 12 years working with Andrew Weil MD's Integrative Medicine Program at the Univ of Arizona & Deepak Chopra/Chopra Center in Southern CA. I love helping people find purpose, live healthy + balanced lifestyles, & reach their potential. Mild depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress, path-finding, & burnout are my specialties. My practice is entirely online. Though conventionally trained at Duke University, Univ of Michigan Med School, & Univ of Arizona Psychiatry Residency, I practice in a unique & integrative way.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed6ea78-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed66288-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed66651-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
![Photo of Chandra Rogers, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b068061-4b99-4969-9301-97bb858269d0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chandra Rogers
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
Mental health is much more than the absence of mental challenges. It encompasses the physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects of our being and is highly complex and unique to each individual. It is a privilege and a great responsibility when an individual chooses to allow me to participate in their journey. My experiences have taught me that collaboration and teamwork are necessary in any partnership, and working together to find a solution that is attainable and aligns with our goals is a priority.
Mental health is much more than the absence of mental challenges. It encompasses the physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects of our being and is highly complex and unique to each individual. It is a privilege and a great responsibility when an individual chooses to allow me to participate in their journey. My experiences have taught me that collaboration and teamwork are necessary in any partnership, and working together to find a solution that is attainable and aligns with our goals is a priority.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/00f8f3a7-7cdd-467a-bb78-a55f4c0676fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
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Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists
What is the most successful approach to treating bipolar disorder?
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and a number of therapies have been found effective in providing support to patients as they gain the skills to understand and manage the disorder. Family-focused therapy is often helpful for children and teens (the majority of cases develop before age 19); it aims to minimize mood cycling by improving family communication and reducing conflict. It also helps young people navigate the developmental challenges the disorder can create. Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) and variants such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)help patients manage the thoughts and feelings that influence bipolar mood swings as well as develop specific behavioral strategies to counteract them.
What happens in therapy for bipolar disorder?
Because the patterns of mood switching and its triggers differ for each person and can change over time, mood tracking or monitoring becomes a basic way patients learn about the nature of their condition. One of the most common features of therapy is finding a workable method of mood monitoring, in which patients track their daily activities and rate their moods, then use the findings to adjust routines accordingly. Patients learn ways of handling the many stresses that arise in life so that they do not trigger mood swings.
What kinds of problems does therapy help with?
Like many other mental health disorders, BPD is heavily influenced by stress; therapy provides skills for coping with stressors of all kinds. Therapy is extremely important for helping individuals identify the situations that may trigger mood switching, so that mood swings can be prevented. Therapy may especially target recognition of the early stages of mood change so that they can be managed. In addition, therapy helps patients deal with the significant amount of turbulence the disorder can create in relationships and in work life.
What is the goal of therapy for bipolar disorder?
Therapy helps patients set up their lives to maintain stability so that their mood isn’t constantly threatened by daily events. Perhaps the first task of therapy is to educate people about the nature of the disorder. At the same time, a primary goal of therapy is to enhance adherence to drug treatment. Extended periods of mood stability can prompt patients to discontinue medication, triggering relapse, while the early phases of manic episodes can feel so energizing that patients stop medication, ushering in full-blown mania and the altered self-perception that can lead to destructive behaviors. Another major goal of therapy is to understand one’s mood patterns so as to minimize both the frequency and intensity of mood cycling.