Photo of Edward Gelber, MD, Psychiatrist
Edward Gelber
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
(301) 750-2744 View (301) 750-2744
Photo of Mahlet Abebe - Insight Wellness Center , MSN, BSc, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Insight Wellness Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, BSc
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20879  (Online Only)
Are you seeking a safe space where your mental health concerns are met with understanding, empathy, and personalized attention? Look no further than Insight Wellness Center. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing you with the highest standard of compassionate care tailored to your unique need. We believe in the power of personalized treatment plans that honor your individual journey to healing. We're here to walk alongside you every step of the way, offering encouragement, validation, and genuine compassion as you navigate the ups and downs of your mental health journey.
Are you seeking a safe space where your mental health concerns are met with understanding, empathy, and personalized attention? Look no further than Insight Wellness Center. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing you with the highest standard of compassionate care tailored to your unique need. We believe in the power of personalized treatment plans that honor your individual journey to healing. We're here to walk alongside you every step of the way, offering encouragement, validation, and genuine compassion as you navigate the ups and downs of your mental health journey.
(240) 887-1986 View (240) 887-1986
Photo of Ashley Fenton, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ashley Fenton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
As a dual certified primary care and psychiatric Nurse Practitioner as well as licensed clinical social worker, I believe in taking a biopsychosocial approach to care. Our physical health and mental health are so closely intertwined and influenced by both social and environmental factors.
As a dual certified primary care and psychiatric Nurse Practitioner as well as licensed clinical social worker, I believe in taking a biopsychosocial approach to care. Our physical health and mental health are so closely intertwined and influenced by both social and environmental factors.
(410) 755-5269 View (410) 755-5269
Photo of Patrick Brown, PMHNP, DipACLM, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Patrick Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, DipACLM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878  (Online Only)
I am an experienced board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and lifestyle medicine practitioner. My approach is top down, looking at every facet of your life, genetics, nutrition, and environment to understand what informs your symptoms. With all the stressors of life, self care and self compassion take a back seat to worry. Eating healthy, getting sunlight, and calming your nervous system can put you back in the driver's seat. Please have compassion for yourself and remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
I am an experienced board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and lifestyle medicine practitioner. My approach is top down, looking at every facet of your life, genetics, nutrition, and environment to understand what informs your symptoms. With all the stressors of life, self care and self compassion take a back seat to worry. Eating healthy, getting sunlight, and calming your nervous system can put you back in the driver's seat. Please have compassion for yourself and remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
(240) 453-4323 View (240) 453-4323
Photo of Sonia Juneja, MD, Psychiatrist
Sonia Juneja
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
I specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of mental disorders including mood, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, eating disorders, insomnia and other psychosocial issues such as relationship problems, parenting, stress management and coping issues. I counsel patients from early childhood through adulthood and provide parental training to parents with young children with behavioral problems and special needs. I am available for consultation, medication evaluation, medication management, individual psychotherapy, family therapy, couples therapy and parent training.
I specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of mental disorders including mood, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, eating disorders, insomnia and other psychosocial issues such as relationship problems, parenting, stress management and coping issues. I counsel patients from early childhood through adulthood and provide parental training to parents with young children with behavioral problems and special needs. I am available for consultation, medication evaluation, medication management, individual psychotherapy, family therapy, couples therapy and parent training.
(240) 821-6898 View (240) 821-6898
Photo of Jackie Dougherty - Brunswick Psychiatry and Wellness Services, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Brunswick Psychiatry and Wellness Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
We are a team of holistic providers; holistic in that we view people as a whole, not a list of symptoms or boxes to check off. We take pride in working with our patients to find a plan of care that they are comfortable with. We hope that you will consider us approachable and flexible. Our nurse practitioners are working mothers, Frederick County residents and Maryland natives. We understand the demands of raising children and growing families in a post-COVID world and can relate to your worries and needs on a personal level.
We are a team of holistic providers; holistic in that we view people as a whole, not a list of symptoms or boxes to check off. We take pride in working with our patients to find a plan of care that they are comfortable with. We hope that you will consider us approachable and flexible. Our nurse practitioners are working mothers, Frederick County residents and Maryland natives. We understand the demands of raising children and growing families in a post-COVID world and can relate to your worries and needs on a personal level.
(240) 748-0179 View (240) 748-0179
Photo of Lindsey Burd, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lindsey Burd
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20882
NOW Accepting New Patients- Affordable Fee Schedule. Reaching out for help and a starting medication can be an overwhelming, daunting task- but it doesn't have to be. I work with you to offer holistic treatment, meaning you are treated as more than a diagnosis. Your lifestyle, unique challenges, and strengths are always considered. I work with patients to offer collaborative and integrative mental health care, with your needs and goals as part of the treatment plan.
NOW Accepting New Patients- Affordable Fee Schedule. Reaching out for help and a starting medication can be an overwhelming, daunting task- but it doesn't have to be. I work with you to offer holistic treatment, meaning you are treated as more than a diagnosis. Your lifestyle, unique challenges, and strengths are always considered. I work with patients to offer collaborative and integrative mental health care, with your needs and goals as part of the treatment plan.
(410) 701-3258 View (410) 701-3258

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Maura Constance, MPH, PMHNP, FNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Maura Constance
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MPH, PMHNP, FNP, BC
Verified Verified
North Bethesda, MD 20852
I am a warm, compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to helping people overcome difficulties and thrive. I employ a humanistic approach that looks at the whole person to understand how elements in the past and factors in the present environment can contribute to your current challenges. I listen deeply and work with you to find the right mix of evidence-based therapies and medications to address your particular needs. I have a special interest in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
I am a warm, compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to helping people overcome difficulties and thrive. I employ a humanistic approach that looks at the whole person to understand how elements in the past and factors in the present environment can contribute to your current challenges. I listen deeply and work with you to find the right mix of evidence-based therapies and medications to address your particular needs. I have a special interest in depression, anxiety, personality disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
(301) 392-7120 View (301) 392-7120
Photo of Amita Jha, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Amita Jha
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Extensive experience in treating depression, bipolar ds, anxiety ds, eating ds, panic ds, OCD, personality ds and other problems related to life-changing situations.
To make appointments please visit us at www.BethesdapsychiatryMD.com or call us 202-999-5712. We accept care first, Cigna, UHC and Aetna Insurances. Board-certified adult psychiatrist, Boston University, with 25 years of experience. We are a comprehensive psychiatry service, offering medication management with board-certified psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, 8 licensed psychotherapists in our practice. Easy scheduling, check availability by clicking the website button on the left for online appointments and detailed information.
Extensive experience in treating depression, bipolar ds, anxiety ds, eating ds, panic ds, OCD, personality ds and other problems related to life-changing situations.
To make appointments please visit us at www.BethesdapsychiatryMD.com or call us 202-999-5712. We accept care first, Cigna, UHC and Aetna Insurances. Board-certified adult psychiatrist, Boston University, with 25 years of experience. We are a comprehensive psychiatry service, offering medication management with board-certified psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, 8 licensed psychotherapists in our practice. Easy scheduling, check availability by clicking the website button on the left for online appointments and detailed information.
(240) 453-4561 View (240) 453-4561
Photo of Vik S Gill, MD, Psychiatrist
Vik S Gill
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
In my psychiatric practice, I sees a wide array of clients, including children as young as four years old. I have a special expertise in reducing and consolidating psychiatric medicines in patients on multiple medicines. My areas of expertise include ADHD, Adult and Childhood Mood disorders, Adult and Childhood Bipolar disorder and Depression, Anxiety disorders, and anger management. I also have expertise in management of sleep disorders. I am licensed in Maryland, DC for online appointments. See reviews at https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-vikramjit-gill-xvq3s https://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Vikramjit_S_Gill.html
In my psychiatric practice, I sees a wide array of clients, including children as young as four years old. I have a special expertise in reducing and consolidating psychiatric medicines in patients on multiple medicines. My areas of expertise include ADHD, Adult and Childhood Mood disorders, Adult and Childhood Bipolar disorder and Depression, Anxiety disorders, and anger management. I also have expertise in management of sleep disorders. I am licensed in Maryland, DC for online appointments. See reviews at https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-vikramjit-gill-xvq3s https://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Vikramjit_S_Gill.html
(224) 385-1140 View (224) 385-1140
Photo of Jabari Dobson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jabari Dobson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Germantown, MD 20876
I am currently a ANCC board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner here at Tranquility Telepsychiatry. I am a Savannah, GA native with over 5 years in psychiatric nursing experience ranging from forensic, inpatient crisis stabilization and travel. My specialties include Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse, Major Depression and Anxiety. I enjoy my free time shopping and traveling for leisure.
I am currently a ANCC board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner here at Tranquility Telepsychiatry. I am a Savannah, GA native with over 5 years in psychiatric nursing experience ranging from forensic, inpatient crisis stabilization and travel. My specialties include Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse, Major Depression and Anxiety. I enjoy my free time shopping and traveling for leisure.
(206) 203-3561 View (206) 203-3561
Photo of Edward Gelber, MD, Psychiatrist
Edward Gelber
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20850
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
(301) 750-2744 View (301) 750-2744
Photo of Jason Eliassaint, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jason Eliassaint
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20906
My name is Jason, I am a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), specializing in anxiety, panic disorder, depression, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia. My goal is to create strong and trusting relationships with my patients in order to pursue the best course of effective treatment. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. My sympathetic, kindhearted, and caring approaches to each individual patients make me capable of reaching the core of each of my patients’ issues and empowers them to enhance their awareness of their potentials in dealing with treatment and recovery
My name is Jason, I am a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), specializing in anxiety, panic disorder, depression, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia. My goal is to create strong and trusting relationships with my patients in order to pursue the best course of effective treatment. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. My sympathetic, kindhearted, and caring approaches to each individual patients make me capable of reaching the core of each of my patients’ issues and empowers them to enhance their awareness of their potentials in dealing with treatment and recovery
(240) 209-9881 View (240) 209-9881
Photo of Andreea Seicean, MD, PhD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Andreea Seicean
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD, MPH
Verified Verified
Potomac, MD 20854
She treats depression, bipolar, anxiety, OCD, ADD, PTSD / trauma, irritability, stress, binger eating, chronic pain, alcohol and other substance use disorders.
Andreea Seicean, MD, PhD, MPH, completed her training at Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She has extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders and addiction in teens and adults. Dr. Seicean has published more than forty articles and been the recipient of multiple awards from: The National Institute of Mental Health, The American Psychiatric Association and The American Association of Neurological Surgeons. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she continues to be active in research and teaches psychopharmacology.
She treats depression, bipolar, anxiety, OCD, ADD, PTSD / trauma, irritability, stress, binger eating, chronic pain, alcohol and other substance use disorders.
Andreea Seicean, MD, PhD, MPH, completed her training at Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She has extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders and addiction in teens and adults. Dr. Seicean has published more than forty articles and been the recipient of multiple awards from: The National Institute of Mental Health, The American Psychiatric Association and The American Association of Neurological Surgeons. She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she continues to be active in research and teaches psychopharmacology.
(312) 380-2790 View (312) 380-2790
Photo of Edward Gelber, MD, Psychiatrist
Edward Gelber
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
North Bethesda, MD 20852
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
I am seeing patients in my Rockville office located at 11119 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, and by videoconference (Zoom). I received my medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. I provide psychiatric treatment for a wide range of challenges in adults, adolescents and pre-teens. My approach is to create a personalized treatment plan starting from scientific treatment guidelines and focusing on your individual needs and strengths. I have wide-ranging expertise including the treatment of anxiety, depression, addiction, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, women's psychiatric needs, schizophrenia, and impulsivity.
(301) 750-2744 View (301) 750-2744
Photo of Dr. Vera Okoye, DNP, CRNP, PMH-BC, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Vera Okoye
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, PMH-BC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Mental health services are provided in the areas of depression, bipolar, ADHD, anxiety, individualized therapy, medication management, and many more.
Are you emotionally or mentally drained, can't focus on your daily activities, can't get along with your co-workers, friends, or family members, or embarrassed by your weight? If yes, then you are in good hands with You First Health and Wellness Services (YFHWS) where you are treated with respect and compassion. Your wellbeing is assured by Dr. Vera Okoye who has successfully treated people with mental derangement or emotional dysregulation. She is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental health, and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 26 years in practice. She is here for you from initial intake to a successful treatment outcome.
Mental health services are provided in the areas of depression, bipolar, ADHD, anxiety, individualized therapy, medication management, and many more.
Are you emotionally or mentally drained, can't focus on your daily activities, can't get along with your co-workers, friends, or family members, or embarrassed by your weight? If yes, then you are in good hands with You First Health and Wellness Services (YFHWS) where you are treated with respect and compassion. Your wellbeing is assured by Dr. Vera Okoye who has successfully treated people with mental derangement or emotional dysregulation. She is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental health, and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 26 years in practice. She is here for you from initial intake to a successful treatment outcome.
(301) 781-5430 View (301) 781-5430
Photo of Marie C Campagnone - Dr. Marie C. Campagnone, Psychiatrist, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Marie C. Campagnone, Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Do you need professional psychiatric support for medication management? Do you need help coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia? I am a psychiatrist, providing online care to patients in Maryland and Virginia and I look forward to providing you with the psychiatric care that best meets your needs and supports your emotional wellness. Care may include medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of medication management and therapy. If you are in therapy and your therapist has suggested medication, we will work collaboratively with your psychotherapist.
Do you need professional psychiatric support for medication management? Do you need help coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia? I am a psychiatrist, providing online care to patients in Maryland and Virginia and I look forward to providing you with the psychiatric care that best meets your needs and supports your emotional wellness. Care may include medication management, psychotherapy, or a combination of medication management and therapy. If you are in therapy and your therapist has suggested medication, we will work collaboratively with your psychotherapist.
(301) 753-3430 View (301) 753-3430
Photo of Lashandra Saulsberry, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lashandra Saulsberry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Germantown, MD 20876  (Online Only)
Shandra is dedicated to providing warm, compassionate care to each individual throughout their healing journey. She treats depression and complex mood disorders, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Women’s Health, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Insomnia, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, panic disorder and more.
Shandra is dedicated to providing warm, compassionate care to each individual throughout their healing journey. She treats depression and complex mood disorders, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Women’s Health, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Insomnia, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, panic disorder and more.
(720) 586-4755 View (720) 586-4755
Photo of Tamara Pottillo, APRN, PMHNP, BC, CCM, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tamara Pottillo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP, BC, CCM
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Germantown, MD 20874  (Online Only)
Welcome to a new era of mental health treatment! Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, interpersonal struggles or other mental health concerns? Do you feel like traditional therapy hasn't provided the relief you need. My clinical practice focuses on consultation, evaluation, and treatment selection; that includes psychotherapy, lab evaluation, medical rule-out, and pharmacotherapy when necessary for patients ages 6-60 years old . Call today to schedule an appointment and embark on a transformative journey towards improved mental health.
Welcome to a new era of mental health treatment! Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, interpersonal struggles or other mental health concerns? Do you feel like traditional therapy hasn't provided the relief you need. My clinical practice focuses on consultation, evaluation, and treatment selection; that includes psychotherapy, lab evaluation, medical rule-out, and pharmacotherapy when necessary for patients ages 6-60 years old . Call today to schedule an appointment and embark on a transformative journey towards improved mental health.
(410) 734-5091 View (410) 734-5091
Photo of Lashandra Saulsberry, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lashandra Saulsberry
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Potomac, MD 20854  (Online Only)
Shandra is dedicated to providing warm, compassionate care to each individual throughout their healing journey. She treats complex mood and anxiety disorders, panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Women’s Health, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Insomnia, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder LGBTQ+ issues, panic disorder and more.
Shandra is dedicated to providing warm, compassionate care to each individual throughout their healing journey. She treats complex mood and anxiety disorders, panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Women’s Health, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Insomnia, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder LGBTQ+ issues, panic disorder and more.
(240) 563-9818 View (240) 563-9818

See more therapy options for Gaithersburg

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.