Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can cause major changes in mood, energy, activity levels, sleep, and decision-making. At Royal River Psychiatric Care in Yarmouth, Maine, Julie Smith, PMHNP, and the team provide personalized psychiatric care for people living with bipolar disorder. They offer evaluation, medication management, counseling, and ongoing monitoring to help patients achieve greater stability. Call Royal River Psychiatric Care or request an appointment online today. 

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes episodes of unusually high or irritable mood followed by episodes of depression. These changes go beyond everyday emotional ups and downs and affect many areas of life, including relationships, work, sleep quality, finances, and personal safety.

During a manic episode, symptoms may include:

• Increased energy or activity
• Reduced need for sleep
• Racing thoughts
• Rapid or excessive talking
• Unusually high confidence
• Irritability or agitation
• Impulsive or risky behavior

Depressive episodes often involve persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest, poor concentration, sleep changes, and feelings of hopelessness.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

The Royal River Psychiatric Care team begins with a diagnostic assessment. They may ask about:

• Mood patterns
• Sleep
• Energy
• Behavior
• Medical history
• Medications
• Substance use
• Family history
• How symptoms affect daily life

Conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, major depressive disorder, trauma-related disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and addiction can sometimes cause overlapping symptoms. Therefore, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is essential.

The Royal River Psychiatric Care team may also complete risk assessments when there are concerns about suicidal thoughts, self-harm, severe impulsivity, or other safety issues.

How is bipolar disorder treated?

Bipolar disorder treatment usually focuses on controlling mood episodes, reducing their frequency and severity, and helping maintain long-term stability.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, treatment may involve antidepressants, mood stabilizers, certain antipsychotic medications, or other psychiatric medicines. Counseling and individual psychotherapy help you recognize early warning signs, understand triggers, develop healthier routines, and cope with stress.

Lifestyle factors can support treatment too. Consistent sleep, regular meals, increased physical activity, reduced substance use, and dependable daily routines all help protect mood stability.

Why is ongoing care and monitoring important for bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, so treatment may need to change over time. Regular follow-up appointments allow the Royal River Psychiatric Care team to track your progress, monitoring:

• Your mood
• How well you sleep
• Your medication response
• Whether you develop side effects
• Any new symptoms

Your provider can adjust the treatment plan when needed and coordinate care with primary care physicians, therapists, specialists, or family members, with your consent. Telepsychiatry appointments make ongoing monitoring easier and more convenient.

If mood changes are disrupting your life, contact Royal River Psychiatric Care to schedule an evaluation and learn more about individualized bipolar disorder treatment. Call the office or book a consultation online today.