Bipolar Disorder services offered in Biltmore Corridor , Phoenix, AZ

Bipolar disorder can begin in young children or make its first appearance in middle-aged adults, but it most often occurs between the ages of 14 to 21. At Cora Health Solutions in the Biltmore Corridor of Phoenix, Arizona, experienced psychiatric provider Betsy Serrano, PMHNP, diagnoses and treats bipolar disorder in teens and adults. With consistent treatment, your bipolar symptoms may go into remission, so don’t wait to seek help. Call the office or use the online booking feature to schedule an appointment and begin the path to wellness.

FAQ's

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder refers to several mental health conditions that cause swings in your mood, energy, and behaviors. The frequency and severity of your symptoms depend on the type of bipolar disorder:

Bipolar I disorder

If you have bipolar I disorder, you have episodes of high-energy mania and major depression. The manic episodes last at least a week and cause severe symptoms that typically require hospitalization to restore balance.

Bipolar II disorder

Bipolar II disorder is defined by swings between major depression and hypomania. Hypomania causes the same symptoms as mania, but they’re less severe and seldom disrupt your daily life.

Cyclothymic disorder

Cyclothymic disorder causes swings between mild hypomania and depression. Though your symptoms don’t seem severe, your mood swings continue for at least two years, and they’re so frequent they affect your daily functioning.

What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?

During manic episodes, you experience symptoms such as:

Talking rapidly
Having nonstop energy
Needing little to no sleep
Experiencing racing thoughts
Feeling very self-important
Having delusions and/or hallucinations
Engaging in risky behaviors (such as overspending or driving while drinking)

During depressive episodes, you experience symptoms such as:

Having a low mood (feeling sad and hopeless)
Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
Losing or gaining weight (along with changes in your eating habits)
Oversleeping or having trouble sleeping
Engaging in restless, aimless movements or repetitive, sluggish movements
Having extreme fatigue or no energy
Feeling worthless or inappropriately guilty
Having difficulty concentrating
Thinking about suicide

If you think about death or suicide, don’t hesitate to call 988 to talk with someone who can help.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

If your Cora Health Solutions provider diagnoses bipolar disorder, they prescribe mood-stabilizing medications. These medicines are essential for stabilizing mood swings. With consistent use, they may put your mood swings into remission.

You can choose to undergo genetic testing using GeneSight®. GeneSight reveals the specific medications that work best with your metabolism, as well as those most likely to cause side effects.

Therapy is also an important part of your treatment because it can help you learn to manage the life challenges caused by bipolar disorder. For example, you may need help to restore your ability to sleep, manage anger and stress, or learn to build relationships.

Call Cora Health Solutions or use online booking to schedule an appointment and begin receiving skilled care for bipolar disorder today.