TREATMENTS FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER​

Bipolar disorder is a mental health problem that causes the individual with the disorder and his or her family many difficulties.  Bipolar disorder tends to run in families and has a genetic basis.  It can be treated with medication and supportive psychotherapy.  Bipolar disorder can be an often misunderstood diagnosis and with the recent recognition of juvenile bipolar disorder, many have wondered, "do I or does my child have bipolar disorder?"  Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed by a trained professional  by assessing for the symptoms associated with the disorder.

When working with a client who has bipolar disorder, I help them and their family to understand the disorder and learn how to separate the person from the disorder.  I provide psycho-education around the illness and explore ways to decrease the episodes of relapse.  A thorough assessment needs to be done to diagnose bipolar disorder as it is not a diagnosis to take lightly.  

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or you think you or a loved one might have bipolar disorder, we can find out what might be going on and help you make decisions about how to address it.

To make an appointment for an assessment and/or discuss recommendations for treatment, call  (415) 686-9544 or email [email protected]  I have offices in San Francisco and Corte Madera and provide phone and/or web sessions for clients who can not come to the office. ​

SYMPTOMS OF MANIA/HYPOMANIA MAY INCLUDE:

1. Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity 
2. Decreased need for sleep 
3. More talkative than usual or pressured speech  
4. Flight of ideas or racing thoughts 
5. Distractibility 
6. Increased goal directed activity 
7. Excessive activities in goal directed behaviors with a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, foolish business investments)  

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION MAY INCLUDE:

1. Feeling sad or empty most of the day, nearly every day 
2. Less interest or pleasure in activities 
3. Weight loss or weight gain 
4. Problems sleeping or oversleeping 
5. Feeling physically slowed down or physically agitated 
6. Loss of energy nearly every day 
7. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt 
8. Difficulty thinking and concentrating 
9. Suicidality or thoughts of death 
10. Hopelessness

Click here for an online screening of
 Juvenille Bipolar Disorder

Click here for an online screening of
 Bipolar Disorder

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please call (415) 686-9544 or click the contact now button to send me an email.

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