Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrist
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These changes can affect your ability to carry out daily tasks. People with bipolar disorder often go through emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can last for days, weeks, or even longer.
Bipolar disorder is not just about mood changes. It is a serious condition that affects thoughts, behavior, and relationships. With proper treatment, people with bipolar disorder can live full and healthy lives.
Types of Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar Disorder I:
People with Bipolar I disorder experience full manic episodes, often followed by depressive episodes. Some people may also experience mixed episodes. These mood swings can severely affect work, school, and daily life.
Common symptoms during a manic episode:
Feeling extremely “up,” or overly confident
Talking more than usual or feeling pressure to keep talking
Sleeping very little but still feeling energetic
Racing thoughts or jumping quickly between ideas
Easily distracted or unable to concentrate
Common symptoms during a depressive episode:
Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the day
Sleeping too much or having trouble falling asleep
Low energy or feeling physically slowed down
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
Difficulty focusing or making decisions
Changes in appetite or weight
Thoughts of death or suicide
Bipolar Disorder II:
Bipolar II disorder involves recurring hypomanic episodes (a milder form of mania) and major depressive episodes. People with Bipolar II do not experience full-blown manic episodes but still face serious challenges in daily life.
Common symptoms during a hypomanic episode:
Feeling unusually cheerful, energetic, or irritable
Needing less sleep but not feeling tired
Speaking more quickly or often than usual
Being easily distracted or having racing thoughts
Having more confidence or feeling more social than normal
Starting multiple projects but not finishing them
Increased activity in work or social life, sometimes impulsively
Common symptoms during a depressive episode:
Persistent sadness or emotional emptiness
Fatigue or low motivation most of the day
Oversleeping or trouble staying asleep
Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities
Trouble focusing or remembering things
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Suicidal thoughts or withdrawing from others
Cyclothymic Disorder:
Cyclothymia includes periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for bipolar I or II. These symptoms are milder but long-lasting and still disrupt daily functioning.
Common symptoms during elevated (hypomanic-like) phases:
Feeling more energetic or upbeat than usual
Needing less sleep or staying up late often
Speaking more or being more outgoing
Feeling easily distracted or mentally active
Making plans or decisions too quickly
Taking on too many tasks at once
Feeling restless or impulsive without reason
Common symptoms during low (depressive-like) phases:
Feeling down, moody, or emotionally flat
Tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest
Oversleeping or poor sleep quality
Trouble finishing tasks or staying organized
Feeling socially withdrawn or less confident
Losing interest in normal daily activities
Feeling unsure about yourself or your abilities
Bipolar Disorder in Teens
Bipolar disorder often starts in the teenage years or early adulthood. Teens may show signs of irritability, risk-taking, or mood changes that affect school, friendships, and family life. It can be hard to tell the difference between typical teen behavior and bipolar symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder in Adults
Adults with bipolar disorder may struggle with holding a job, managing relationships, and taking care of responsibilities. Mood episodes can cause issues with memory, concentration, and decision-making. These challenges can also increase the risk of substance use, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Our Treatment Services for Bipolar Disorder
Living with bipolar disorder can be overwhelming—whether you’re an adult trying to balance work and relationships or a parent seeing your child struggle with mood changes. At NB Psychiatry, we provide compassionate treatment for individuals of all ages facing the challenges of bipolar disorder.
Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin with a full psychiatric evaluation to understand the person’s symptoms, mood patterns, and overall mental health. For children and teens, this includes gathering input from parents, teachers, and the young individual. For adults, we discuss personal history, lifestyle, and any co-existing conditions like anxiety or ADHD. This helps us create a clear and accurate diagnosis before moving forward with treatment.
Medication Management: Medication is often a key part of treating bipolar disorder. It helps stabilize mood swings and reduce symptoms of both mania and depression. Our team works closely with each patient—whether a child, teen, or adult—to find the right medication and dosage. We monitor progress, adjust as needed, and always prioritize safety and long-term stability.
Therapy and Coping Strategies: Talk therapy is a powerful tool for managing bipolar disorder. We use methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behavior. For teens and children, therapy focuses on emotional control, improving sleep, and managing school or social challenges. Adults may use therapy to improve routines, manage stress, or strengthen relationships.
Telehealth Options: We offer telepsychiatry sessions to make mental health care more convenient. Whether you’re a parent with a busy schedule or an adult managing work and home life, virtual appointments allow easy access to consistent support without the commute.
Family Education and Support: Bipolar disorder affects the entire household, especially when a child or teen is diagnosed. We guide families through the process helping them understand the condition, respond to mood episodes, and maintain a supportive home environment. We also work with adult patients to strengthen support systems at home and in their personal relationships.
We understand that bipolar disorder affects everyone differently. That’s why we tailor each treatment plan to your age, symptoms, and goals. With ongoing care and the right support, it’s possible to manage bipolar disorder and live a healthy, stable life.
Why Choose NB Psychiatry for Care?
Personalized Approach
We know that everyone is unique, and that includes their treatment needs. We make special plans just for you. We consider your individual challenges, goals, and situation to help you heal in the best way.
Caring Place
Our practice is a kind and safe place. We want everyone to feel listened to, important, and supported as they go through their journey. Our goal is to help every person feel comfortable sharing their feelings and worries.
Keeping Your Information Safe
Your privacy is very important to us. We work hard to keep your personal information safe, so you can feel happy and secure when you talk to us.
Experienced, Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Nibras is the best doctor who helps people with their feelings and minds. He has helped many people for a long time and knows a lot about how to make them feel better. You can trust him to help you get the care you need!
Private, Judgment-Free Care
We offer private, judgment-free care, ensuring that you receive direct and confidential support.
Timely Appointments
We know it’s important to get care quickly. That’s why we offer appointments in just a few days, not weeks, so you can start feeling better without waiting too long.
Conveniently Available
We are proud to help people in the Sugar Land, Katy, and Houston areas. You can come to see us in person or talk to us online, whichever you like best!
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FAQs
1. What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). It affects energy, behavior, and daily functioning.
2. Can children and teens have bipolar disorder?
Yes. Bipolar disorder can begin in childhood or teenage years. Early signs include mood changes, irritability, sleep problems, and behavior shifts that affect school and home life.
3. How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
We start with a full psychiatric evaluation. For children and teens, we also gather feedback from parents and teachers. The goal is to understand mood patterns and rule out other conditions.
4. What treatments do you offer for bipolar disorder?
We offer medication management, talk therapy (like CBT), telehealth appointments, and family guidance. Treatment plans are tailored to each person’s age and symptoms.
5. Will medication be necessary?
Medication is often helpful to manage mood swings, especially when symptoms affect daily life. We carefully choose the safest and most effective option for each patient.
6. Is therapy helpful for bipolar disorder?
Yes. Therapy helps with emotional control, routines, coping skills, and dealing with stress or relationship issues. We offer therapy for both adults and young patients.