Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Queens, NY

Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of time during which you feel like you can do anything, followed by bouts of severe depression. Acting in ways that vary greatly from your normal behavior is another sign of bipolar disorder. The condition usually starts in young adults around the age of 25. Early detection of this condition saves you years of destructive behavior and uncertainty. The psychiatric doctors at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, NY are experts at diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. Call today for an evaluation.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness caused by changes in your brain chemistry. While it’s often due to a variety of genetic or structural brain conditions, it’s exacerbated by stress and anxiety. If you’re suffering from bipolar disorder, you experience extreme mood swings between ecstatic happiness and brutal depression. You can still be diagnosed as bipolar, however, even if you just experience the up moods, which include symptoms such as:

• Feeling rested without sleep
• Enjoying an increased sense of self-esteem
• Believing that anything you do will be successful
• Acting on impulsive ideas that can cause you harm
• Feeling invincible
• Having occasional hallucinations

Bipolar disorder often is misdiagnosed because there’s no imaging scan or blood test to confirm it. You need a firm diagnosis from your psychiatrist at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, NY. Part of the practice’s multiple specialties, these psychiatrists are skilled at recognizing many psychological conditions including bipolar disorder.

Why Is It Bad to Feel Good?

Bipolar disorder are sometimes difficult to confront, because who doesn’t like feeling energized? But the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder can cause negative repercussions in your life. Even actions you take while you’re feeling up-beat can lead to dire consequences.

If you have bipolar disorder, your manic episodes may lead to actions that put your well-being at risk. The condition coerces you to make reckless decisions while you’re feeling invincible or unusually creative. Poor choices with money or relationships have a long-term impact on your work, relationships and financial stability.

These mood swings result from imbalances in your brain chemistry. Bipolar treatment includes lifestyle changes, education, medication and talk therapy. This combination of treatments keeps you balanced and prevents the dramatic episodes that so profoundly affect your life.

Prevention and Healthy Living

Your physical and mental health are inextricably intertwined. As part of the initial diagnosis, your Medex psychiatrist ensures that your symptoms aren’t caused by an underlying medical ailment. Sometimes, such conditions as hyperthyroidism or a related mental condition called borderline personality disorder causes mood shifts, Certain medications, such those containing steroids, also may affect behavior drastically.

Once other conditions are ruled out, your treatment begins with education about the things you can do to prevent manic and depressive episodes, such as:

• Recognizing early warning signs
• Reducing stress
• Eating a healthy diet
• Engaging in aerobic exercise
• Developing daily routines
• Joining a support group

Managing Bipolar Disorder with Medication

Since bipolar disorder is caused by misfiring brain chemistry, medication stabilizes that abnormal brain chemistry. Without the hidden causes, you can better manage your behavior. Medicines that are used to treat bipolar disorder are called mood stabilizers.

Several medication options are available. Some of them may work better for you than others, so your psychiatrist works to find the best choice for you during a series of regular appointments and check-ins. Some mood stabilizers require you to regularly have your blood checked, another advantage of having all your medical needs addressed at a multi-specialty practice like the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center, which has laboratories on-site.

Let’s Talk!

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a part of a complete treatment plan for bipolar disorder. With bipolar disorder, your patterns get thrown out of whack. Once you enter a phase of mania, you may not recognize poor choices you’re making. By talking about it, your psychiatrist keeps you on an even keel.

Psychotherapy takes on different styles for everyone, depending on your needs and how long you’ve been dealing with the condition. Your psychiatrist spends your first sessions getting to know you, your lifestyle and patterns. The goal of psychotherapy is to help you accept the diagnosis while teaching you practical strategies for managing it.

Psychotherapy is a gradual process and may include your family at times. Be honest with your doctor and reveal everything. For example, substance abuse is common among people with bipolar disorder. Don’t keep secrets.

Sessions may start out twice a week, and then move to weekly. As you learn to manage your condition, your psychiatrist may recommend longer and longer times between sessions. Take the first step toward recovery by contacting a psychiatrist at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, New York. Discover a path toward a better quality of life and sound mental and physical health.

We can help you find a doctor. Call (718) 275-8900

Licensed by the state of New York, Medex is an Article 28 diagnostic and treatment center. Our physicians provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages in the Forest Hills, Queens area, for over 15 years. Start receiving expert care now by calling or scheduling an appointment online with one of the skilled specialists.

FAQs – Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Queens, NY

1. What is bipolar disorder?
   Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These shifts can affect energy, behavior, and daily functioning.
2. What are the types of bipolar disorder?
   There are several types:

• Bipolar I Disorder (manic episodes lasting at least 7 days)
• Bipolar II Disorder (patterns of depressive and hypomanic episodes)
• Cyclothymic Disorder (chronic fluctuating moods over 2+ years)

3. What causes bipolar disorder?
   Bipolar disorder is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. It often runs in families and can be triggered by stress, trauma, or major life events.
4. What are the symptoms of a manic episode?
   Symptoms may include elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, decreased need for sleep, and inflated self-esteem.
5. What are the symptoms of a depressive episode?
   Symptoms include sadness, low energy, hopelessness, changes in appetite or sleep, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
6. How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
   A mental health professional will evaluate your symptoms, personal and family history, and use clinical criteria from the DSM-5 to diagnose bipolar disorder.
7. What treatments are available for bipolar disorder in Queens, NY?
   Treatment often includes mood-stabilizing medications, antipsychotics, antidepressants (with caution), psychotherapy (CBT or DBT), and lifestyle changes.
8. Is therapy effective for bipolar disorder?
   Yes. Psychotherapy helps patients recognize triggers, manage symptoms, improve relationships, and stick to treatment plans. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation are particularly beneficial.
9. Can bipolar disorder be cured?
   There is no cure, but with proper treatment and support, many individuals live full, productive lives. Long-term management is essential to minimize mood episodes.
10. Is bipolar disorder treatment covered by insurance?
    Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover mental health services such as medication, psychiatry, and therapy. Always verify coverage with your provider.

11. Why choose Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center for bipolar disorder treatment in Queens, NY?
    Medex provides compassionate, individualized care with board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists experienced in treating mood disorders. Our coordinated team approach ensures long-term support and stability.
12. How do I schedule a mental health consultation at Medex in Queens?
    Visit medexdtc.com or call our office to book your appointment. We offer flexible scheduling, same-day availability, and multilingual care for your convenience.