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CAPTAPsychiatry · Brian Still, MD

Care

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is very treatable with steady, long-term care. Getting the diagnosis right is the most important first step.

Signs it may be time to get help

  • Periods of unusually high energy, little need for sleep, racing thoughts or risky behavior
  • Periods of depression, sometimes long and hard to treat
  • A family history of bipolar disorder

How I evaluate it

We map out past mood episodes, how long they lasted and what triggered them, along with sleep, substance use and family history. If you already have a diagnosis, I review how it was made and what has worked.

Treatment options

  • Mood-stabilizing medication with the lab monitoring it requires
  • A relapse-prevention plan: early warning signs, sleep protection, what to do if symptoms return
  • Regular follow-up, more often during changes

What telehealth can and can’t do

Some medications need blood tests, which you complete at a local lab. Severe mania or psychosis needs in-person or hospital care.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Your plan is made together at your visit.