Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Fulton, MO
![Photo of Aisha Ahmouda, DNP, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86b9d21c-fb7b-4b83-a431-0cffbb791bb9/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I use my skills and time optimally to maximize my therapeutic affect on patients. I prioritize taking the time to establish a good rapport. I tend to a patient's psychological health needs, as well as physical health needs, maintaining a holistic approach. Providing quality care, to me, is about spending my day, from start to finish, making a patient's care experience excellent. This philosophy coincides with my personal goal to maintain a high level of intrinsic motivation to do more than just the minimum required of me, each and every day.
As a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I use my skills and time optimally to maximize my therapeutic affect on patients. I prioritize taking the time to establish a good rapport. I tend to a patient's psychological health needs, as well as physical health needs, maintaining a holistic approach. Providing quality care, to me, is about spending my day, from start to finish, making a patient's care experience excellent. This philosophy coincides with my personal goal to maintain a high level of intrinsic motivation to do more than just the minimum required of me, each and every day.
Online Psychiatrists
![Photo of Sindhura Saini - SANA Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86a60c90-0781-4063-b524-3eee8a56da56/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Patients - With medication and therapeutic interventions, Dr. Sindhura Saini, M.D. hopes to help patients feel respected while working to improve their well being and mental health. Dr. Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
Accepting New Patients - With medication and therapeutic interventions, Dr. Sindhura Saini, M.D. hopes to help patients feel respected while working to improve their well being and mental health. Dr. Saini's expertise involves anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
![Photo of Ajit Trikha, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4690a46b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Helping You Get Healthy With over 25 years of psychiatric experience, I understand how to work with my patients to ensure they receive the best care possible. My thoughtful and personalized approach means I'm fully committed to the health and well-being of all my patients. Treatment for a complete spectrum of psychiatric and psychological disorders include Depressive and Bipolar disorders, Psychotic disorders, Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive disorders, Stress disorders, Addiction disorders, Personality disorders, Eating disorders, Dual diagnosis, Adult Hyperactivity Disorder, Grief, Bereavement, and Anger management. DATA-Certified Physician eligible to provide buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatment for opioid dependency.
Helping You Get Healthy With over 25 years of psychiatric experience, I understand how to work with my patients to ensure they receive the best care possible. My thoughtful and personalized approach means I'm fully committed to the health and well-being of all my patients. Treatment for a complete spectrum of psychiatric and psychological disorders include Depressive and Bipolar disorders, Psychotic disorders, Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive disorders, Stress disorders, Addiction disorders, Personality disorders, Eating disorders, Dual diagnosis, Adult Hyperactivity Disorder, Grief, Bereavement, and Anger management. DATA-Certified Physician eligible to provide buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatment for opioid dependency.
![Photo of Susan Dawson, EdD , PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d640a7f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Dawson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, EdD , PMHNP
Not Verified Not Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63129
This includes: Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar.
I am a licensed and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, in practice for over 25yrs. I have served as a Professor, Dean and Director of nursing programs. My passion is in helping people in need of substantial management of mental health issues. Helping patients with addiction and adult psychiatry issues is essential for the success of those in these situations. I'm looking forward to serving patients who are ready to deal with their mental health issues, head on. If you need a provider who cares, believes in being honest and trustworthy consider care here is the place.
This includes: Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar.
I am a licensed and board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, in practice for over 25yrs. I have served as a Professor, Dean and Director of nursing programs. My passion is in helping people in need of substantial management of mental health issues. Helping patients with addiction and adult psychiatry issues is essential for the success of those in these situations. I'm looking forward to serving patients who are ready to deal with their mental health issues, head on. If you need a provider who cares, believes in being honest and trustworthy consider care here is the place.
![Photo of Narissa Marasso, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8290bd91-fa2d-4e1d-aba4-a5ebadb5342e/1/320x400.png)
Narissa Marasso, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She practices general psychiatry with an emphasis on adult populations, including the treatment of depression, bipolar, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, and the co-occurring mental health complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Services include brief psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic management. Narissa enjoys building therapeutic relationships with her clients and seeing them heal believing that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness can lead to lasting recovery.
Narissa Marasso, PMHNP is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She practices general psychiatry with an emphasis on adult populations, including the treatment of depression, bipolar, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, insomnia, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, and the co-occurring mental health complications of Type 1 Diabetes. Services include brief psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic management. Narissa enjoys building therapeutic relationships with her clients and seeing them heal believing that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness can lead to lasting recovery.
![Photo of Vivek Agnihotri, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94b5ff6a-b764-4d56-8e61-e8c345aee8a9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Psychiatrist specializing in Addiction Treatment and Adult Psychiatric Treatment. Also provide individualized Weight Management Services. I specialize in the treatment of Opioid dependence with Suboxone, Alcohol dependence, other addictions and Dual Diagnosis and Psychiatric disorders. I have extensive experience in treating a wide range of Psychiatric disorders including Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, ADHD. I provide compassionate care and individualized attention in conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
I am a Psychiatrist specializing in Addiction Treatment and Adult Psychiatric Treatment. Also provide individualized Weight Management Services. I specialize in the treatment of Opioid dependence with Suboxone, Alcohol dependence, other addictions and Dual Diagnosis and Psychiatric disorders. I have extensive experience in treating a wide range of Psychiatric disorders including Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, ADHD. I provide compassionate care and individualized attention in conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
![Photo of Deidra Thompson - Brightside Health, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f88bbae-7145-44b3-bbff-be98fe9700f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brightside Health
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63133 (Online Only)
We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and many other common concerns like panic, bipolar, postpartum depression, and suicidal thoughts.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
We specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and many other common concerns like panic, bipolar, postpartum depression, and suicidal thoughts.
It gets much better from here. No matter what you're going through, our expert providers are here to help with online mental health care tailored to you. Brightside Health offers personalized psychiatry, proven therapy, or both to help you feel better. Get started right from home, with appointments in as little as 2 days.
![Photo of Rachel Kranz, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e56bbdd-e769-4863-8a39-9ec4c7f195a6/2/320x400.png)
Rachel offers medication management to children, adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and a variety of other mental health conditions.
Rachel Kranz is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master s Degree in Nursing from Saint Louis University in 2018 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bradley University in 2013.
Rachel offers medication management to children, adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and a variety of other mental health conditions.
Rachel Kranz is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master s Degree in Nursing from Saint Louis University in 2018 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bradley University in 2013.
![Photo of Deborah Patton, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/814cf411-0f6b-4d9b-8cb9-45bc3f2c32d8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deborah Patton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63129 (Online Only)
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and am licensed as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in the state of Missouri with prescriptive authority. I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with my BSN, and from St. Louis University with my MSN and Post-Master’s degree education. I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 20 years. My primary areas of focus are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD/trauma. My primary treatment focus will be individuals 18 years and older.
I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and am licensed as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in the state of Missouri with prescriptive authority. I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with my BSN, and from St. Louis University with my MSN and Post-Master’s degree education. I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 20 years. My primary areas of focus are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD/trauma. My primary treatment focus will be individuals 18 years and older.
![Photo of Dr. Michelle Hill, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ab12129-7b32-4fe3-a102-249ed52a45e5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hill's practice is focused on patients 18 years and older, treating ADHD, depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.
Dr. Michelle Hill received her medical degree from A. T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. She completed her residency in Psychiatry at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. She served honorably in the Army for 8 years before working as a civilian in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Hill is board certified in General Psychiatry. She is also a member of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians.
Hill's practice is focused on patients 18 years and older, treating ADHD, depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.
Dr. Michelle Hill received her medical degree from A. T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. She completed her residency in Psychiatry at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. She served honorably in the Army for 8 years before working as a civilian in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Hill is board certified in General Psychiatry. She is also a member of the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians.
![Photo of Moses Tabe Ambilichu - Success Health System, Worldwide Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7009bbfa-153a-4c13-acd2-d3a9c3d3527c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Success Health System, Worldwide Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
We offer services specializing in psychiatric medication management, treatment for anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, depression, Medication Assisted Therapy for substance use disorders, and more.
Success Health System strives to provide the best patient experience possible. We offer virtual and in-person services at convenient locations in Olathe, KS; Columbia, MO; Independence, MO; and Creve Coeur, MO. We will answer and schedule your appointment within 48 hours. Providers at Success Health System are passionate about providing patient-centered psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions that are individualized to each patient’s diagnosis.
We offer services specializing in psychiatric medication management, treatment for anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, depression, Medication Assisted Therapy for substance use disorders, and more.
Success Health System strives to provide the best patient experience possible. We offer virtual and in-person services at convenient locations in Olathe, KS; Columbia, MO; Independence, MO; and Creve Coeur, MO. We will answer and schedule your appointment within 48 hours. Providers at Success Health System are passionate about providing patient-centered psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions that are individualized to each patient’s diagnosis.
![Photo of Quentin Chambers - Alpha Allied Treatment Center, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e711a9d-28e9-4d58-9740-c3e5fa94b257/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alpha Allied Treatment Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, MO 63303 (Online Only)
I am an independent, full practice psychiatric nurse practitioner, able to prescribe, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. I have spent the past 18yrs getting to know patients with Bipolar, Anxiety, ADD, Addiction and integrative psychiatry care. I find this group fascinating. I am interested in patients who are vested in their own mental health. If this is you, give me a call. Ask about our non-narcotics opiates withdrawal system, called "The Bridge" device. Almost 90% success rate. We are ready to help you.
I am an independent, full practice psychiatric nurse practitioner, able to prescribe, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. I have spent the past 18yrs getting to know patients with Bipolar, Anxiety, ADD, Addiction and integrative psychiatry care. I find this group fascinating. I am interested in patients who are vested in their own mental health. If this is you, give me a call. Ask about our non-narcotics opiates withdrawal system, called "The Bridge" device. Almost 90% success rate. We are ready to help you.
![Photo of Katie Padberg, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7547d895-e7bc-42b9-ae0c-869a88d7aade/3/320x400.jpeg)
I help children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to worry less, improve their mood, and focus better through a combination of medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and integrative mind-body approaches (e.
I am so happy you are here! It takes courage to reach out for help. You don't have to feel this way forever. Valuable mental healthcare means feeling understood and supported, while continuously moving forward towards improved mental health. I understand how challenging it can be to find the right provider that really listens and fosters a nonjudgemental, welcoming environment. I would be honored to be that person for you.
I help children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to worry less, improve their mood, and focus better through a combination of medication management, supportive psychotherapy, and integrative mind-body approaches (e.
I am so happy you are here! It takes courage to reach out for help. You don't have to feel this way forever. Valuable mental healthcare means feeling understood and supported, while continuously moving forward towards improved mental health. I understand how challenging it can be to find the right provider that really listens and fosters a nonjudgemental, welcoming environment. I would be honored to be that person for you.
![Photo of Hattie DeBord - Better Days Psychiatry and Family Practice, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/221c8faa-fa87-4898-abed-cd4a3680f210/1/320x400.jpeg)
Better Days Psychiatry and Family Practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63129
Hattie is certified to treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD and Autism.
Hattie DeBord is certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 11 years’ experience working with pediatric and adult mental illness. She offers mental health services to patients aged 5 years and up.
Hattie is certified to treat a wide range of psychiatric illnesses including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, ADHD and Autism.
Hattie DeBord is certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 11 years’ experience working with pediatric and adult mental illness. She offers mental health services to patients aged 5 years and up.
![Photo of Femi Popoola, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b5f347b-4f5c-47d1-8dd4-ed83044f227d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am dual board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I am CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW TELEHEALTH PATIENTS for medication management for depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, ADHD, Eating Disorder, Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, etc. If you are looking for a doctor who is empathic and an active listener, you have one in me.
I am dual board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I am CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW TELEHEALTH PATIENTS for medication management for depression, anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, ADHD, Eating Disorder, Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, etc. If you are looking for a doctor who is empathic and an active listener, you have one in me.
![Photo of Mohd Azfar Malik - Serenity Health, MD, DFAPA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25274dc3-9e65-481e-993d-4039b8263490/1/320x400.png)
At Serenity Health, we understand the courage it takes to ask for help. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more, our team of licensed and certified providers are here to help. Our providers are trained to use psychotherapy to learn about your situation, properly diagnose, and treat your symptoms. Along with psychiatry, we offer neurology services to patients struggling with neuropathy, movement disorders, migraines, post-stroke care, seizures, and more. Our neurology team coordinates with the care plans of your other providers to ensure continuous improvement.
At Serenity Health, we understand the courage it takes to ask for help. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more, our team of licensed and certified providers are here to help. Our providers are trained to use psychotherapy to learn about your situation, properly diagnose, and treat your symptoms. Along with psychiatry, we offer neurology services to patients struggling with neuropathy, movement disorders, migraines, post-stroke care, seizures, and more. Our neurology team coordinates with the care plans of your other providers to ensure continuous improvement.
![Photo of Rasha Elkady, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d62e1d0d-6e86-4f66-bdfa-107311ac1e07/2/320x400.jpeg)
My specialities include but not limited to the following : Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder, Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Psychotic Disorders , Personality Disorders , Eating Disorders , dual diagnosis and anger problems.
I have been enjoying my work in psychiatry for the past 15 years and I wanted to provide a new and unique service to patients. I provide weekend and afternoon online appointments from the comfort of your own home. The importance of mental health cannot be stressed enough so why make it such a hassle to see a psychiatrist? At one simple click of a button, you can see a psychiatrist and receive a diagnosis tailored just for you. Times are changing, let’s make life easy.
My specialities include but not limited to the following : Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder, Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Psychotic Disorders , Personality Disorders , Eating Disorders , dual diagnosis and anger problems.
I have been enjoying my work in psychiatry for the past 15 years and I wanted to provide a new and unique service to patients. I provide weekend and afternoon online appointments from the comfort of your own home. The importance of mental health cannot be stressed enough so why make it such a hassle to see a psychiatrist? At one simple click of a button, you can see a psychiatrist and receive a diagnosis tailored just for you. Times are changing, let’s make life easy.
![Photo of Samantha Saale, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52da6f54-e5f1-4dec-8957-eb3e70213b97/1/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Saale
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63127
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I offer mental health services to patients aged 6 and up, including medication management and psychoeducation in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Nowotny. I am certified to treat a range of psychiatric illness including, but not limited to; anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, sleep disorders, ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, & neurocognitive disorders. I am committed to helping my patients achieve optimal mental health and wellness. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I offer mental health services to patients aged 6 and up, including medication management and psychoeducation in collaboration with Dr. Thomas Nowotny. I am certified to treat a range of psychiatric illness including, but not limited to; anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, sleep disorders, ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, & neurocognitive disorders. I am committed to helping my patients achieve optimal mental health and wellness. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to reach out to me.
![Photo of Kimberly Danielle, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6897ea94-e44a-40cf-9c87-cb8a7ee3992f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Danielle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Verified Verified
Chesterfield, MO 63005 (Online Only)
Welcome to Klarity Wellness! My name is Kimberly Danielle, PMHNP- BC, FNP-C. With integrative & functional medicine training, as well as being double board-certified in Psychiatry and Family Medicine, I bring a unique and comprehensive perspective to mental and physical health care. My expertise allows me to offer an integrated approach to a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar & mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and more. With extensive experience in psychiatry and hospital based medicine, I have developed an expertise in addressing the relationship between mental and physical well-being.
Welcome to Klarity Wellness! My name is Kimberly Danielle, PMHNP- BC, FNP-C. With integrative & functional medicine training, as well as being double board-certified in Psychiatry and Family Medicine, I bring a unique and comprehensive perspective to mental and physical health care. My expertise allows me to offer an integrated approach to a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar & mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and more. With extensive experience in psychiatry and hospital based medicine, I have developed an expertise in addressing the relationship between mental and physical well-being.
![Photo of Jerilyn Brown, PMHNP, APRN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2191a971-3d8d-4f0c-949b-675e031fc527/1/320x400.png)
Jerilyn Brown
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MO 65203
I am accepting new patients. Are you depressed, anxious, having panic attacks, stressed out, have trouble concentrating or trouble sleeping? Are people around you telling you that you are easily irritated? You don't have to keep suffering. I can help you by providing a full psychiatric evaluation and offering medication management with brief therapy. I do this with empathy and compassion.
I am accepting new patients. Are you depressed, anxious, having panic attacks, stressed out, have trouble concentrating or trouble sleeping? Are people around you telling you that you are easily irritated? You don't have to keep suffering. I can help you by providing a full psychiatric evaluation and offering medication management with brief therapy. I do this with empathy and compassion.
See more therapy options for Fulton
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.