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Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Las Vegas
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What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These aren’t ordinary mood swings; they’re intense episodes that can last for days, weeks, or even months and significantly impact your ability to function.
At MindWell Psychiatric Services, we provide expert bipolar disorder treatment in Las Vegas. With proper diagnosis and medication management, most people with bipolar disorder can achieve stability and live full, productive lives. If you’ve been struggling with extreme highs and lows, we’re here to help you find balance.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.8% of adults in the United States. It typically develops in the late teens or early twenties, though it can appear at any age. Many people go years before receiving an accurate diagnosis, often being treated for depression alone, which can actually make bipolar symptoms worse.
Bipolar disorder isn’t a character flaw or a lack of self-control. It’s a medical condition involving brain chemistry and genetics. The mood episodes aren’t something you can simply “snap out of”; they require proper treatment.
The good news is that bipolar disorder is highly treatable. With the right medication and ongoing care, most people achieve significant mood stability.
How Bipolar Disorder Affects Daily Life
Untreated bipolar disorder can be devastating. The mood episodes disrupt every area of life:
- Relationships — Impulsive behavior during mania, withdrawal during depression, unpredictability that strains family and friends
- Work and school — Productivity swings, missed days during depression, risky decisions during mania, difficulty maintaining employment
- Finances — Impulsive spending sprees during manic episodes, inability to work during depressive episodes
- Physical health — Sleep disruption, neglected self-care, risky behavior
- Mental health — Increased risk of anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide
Without treatment, episodes often become more frequent and severe over time. But with proper management, people with bipolar disorder can lead stable, successful lives.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves distinct episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression. Symptoms vary depending on which type of episode you’re experiencing.
Manic Episode Symptoms:
- Abnormally elevated or irritable mood
- Decreased need for sleep (feeling rested after little sleep)
- Racing thoughts and rapid speech
- Increased activity, energy, or agitation
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Poor decision-making (spending sprees, risky investments, sexual indiscretion)
- Distractibility
Depressive Episode Symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue and low energy
- Sleep problems (too much or too little)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Hypomanic Episode Symptoms:
- Similar to manic symptoms but less severe
- May feel productive and energized
- Doesn’t cause major impairment, but is noticeable to others
- Can escalate to full mania if untreated
Some people experience “mixed episodes” with symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time, which can be particularly distressing.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder Exists on a Spectrum. Understanding Your Type Guides Treatment.
Bipolar I Disorder
Defined by manic episodes lasting at least 7 days or severe enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes also typically occur. This is “classic” bipolar disorder.
Bipolar II Disorder
Pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but no full manic episodes. Often misdiagnosed as depression because hypomanic episodes may feel good.
Cyclothymic Disorder
A milder form with chronic fluctuating moods lasting at least 2 years. Symptoms don’t meet the full criteria for hypomanic or depressive episodes.
Rapid Cycling
Four or more mood episodes within 12 months. Can occur in any type of bipolar disorder and often requires more intensive treatment.
Mixed Features
Manic/hypomanic and depressive symptoms occur simultaneously. Feeling energized yet hopeless. This presentation carries a higher suicide risk.
Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as depression because people tend to seek help during depressive episodes, not manic ones. It also commonly co-occurs with ADHD, which can complicate diagnosis.
When to Seek Help
Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for years. Many people seek help only during depressive episodes, leading to incomplete treatment. If any of the following apply to you, an evaluation is important.
Consider reaching out if:
- You’ve experienced periods of unusually elevated mood or energy
- Your mood seems to cycle between highs and lows
- Depression treatment hasn’t worked well for you
- You’ve made impulsive decisions you later regretted during “up” periods
- Friends or family have commented on your mood changes
- You have a family history of bipolar disorder
- You’ve had thoughts of suicide during depressive episodes
An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. If you’ve been treated for depression without improvement, bipolar disorder should be considered.
How MindWell Treats Bipolar Disorder
At MindWell Psychiatric Services, we take a careful, personalized approach to bipolar disorder treatment. Accurate diagnosis and proper medication are essential.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Your treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation. We’ll discuss your mood history, including any manic or hypomanic episodes, depressive episodes, and your family history. Accurate diagnosis is critical; treating bipolar disorder as depression alone can make symptoms worse.
Medication Management
Medication is the cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment. Mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and sometimes antidepressants (used carefully) can help prevent and manage episodes. We work with you to find the medication combination that provides stability with manageable side effects.
Genetic Testing
Finding the right medication can involve trial and error. Genetic testing can help identify which medications are most likely to work for you based on your DNA, potentially speeding up the path to stability.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every person’s bipolar disorder is different. We consider your specific episode patterns, triggers, lifestyle, and goals when creating your treatment plan. We may also recommend therapy, lifestyle modifications, and sleep hygiene practices.
Ongoing Support
Bipolar disorder requires long-term management. We provide regular medication management appointments to monitor your mood, adjust medications as needed, and catch early warning signs of episodes. Consistent care is key to maintaining stability.
Getting Started with Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Taking the first step toward stability starts with an accurate diagnosis. Here’s what to expect at MindWell.
Step 1: Schedule an Evaluation
Contact us by phone or through our website to book your first appointment. Same-day appointments are available for cash-pay patients.
Step 2: Your First Visit
Your initial visit is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation lasting 60-90 minutes. We’ll discuss your mood history in detail, including both “highs” and “lows.” Bringing a family member or partner who has observed your moods can be helpful.
What to bring:
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- List of current medications
- Notes on your mood patterns and questions
- Information from family members about mood changes they’ve observed
Step 3: Your Treatment Plan
Based on your evaluation, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan. This typically includes mood stabilizing medication and may include recommendations for therapy and lifestyle changes.
Step 4: Ongoing Care
We schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your mood and medication response. Bipolar disorder management is a marathon, not a sprint, and we’re with you for the long haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bipolar disorder be cured?
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it can be effectively managed with medication. Many people with bipolar disorder live stable, successful lives with proper treatment. The goal is mood stability, not a cure.
How is bipolar disorder different from depression?
Bipolar disorder includes episodes of mania or hypomania in addition to depression. If you only experience depression, you may have major depressive disorder. The distinction matters because treatments differ, and antidepressants alone can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder.
Do you prescribe mood stabilizers?
Yes. Michael Kuron is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who can prescribe and manage all medications used for bipolar disorder, including mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and other options.
What if I feel fine and want to stop medication?
This is very common and very risky. Many people stop medication when they feel stable, only to experience another episode. We strongly recommend staying on medication even when you feel well, and discussing any changes with us first.
Do you offer telehealth for bipolar disorder treatment?
Yes. After an initial in-person evaluation, follow-up appointments can be conducted via telehealth.
Does insurance cover bipolar disorder treatment?
Yes, most insurance plans cover psychiatric services for bipolar disorder. We accept most major insurance plans, including Ambetter, CHAMPVA, Cigna, Optum, Medicaid, Medicare, United Healthcare, Tricare, TriWest, Molina, Aetna, Carelon, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Get the care that is right for you
Bipolar disorder doesn’t have to control your life. With accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, you can achieve stability and start living on your terms. At MindWell Psychiatric Services, we’re here to help you find that balance.
We are located at “800 N Rainbow Blvd, Suite 208, Las Vegas, NV 89107”
Phone: (702) 530-2549
Open from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM | Tuesday to Saturday
