What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health disorder that may cause dramatic mood swings and changes in a person's behavior. The term "bipolar disorder" actually refers to a collection of conditions that include bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. While each form of bipolar disorder is different in intensity, most of them are characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression that can significantly interfere with a person's relationships, work, and routine. This condition often manifests in a person's younger years, though it can affect individuals of any age. If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, including rapid changes in mood and energy levels, we invite you to schedule an in-person or telehealth consultation with Mynd Works Psychiatry. Our experienced mental health professionals are proud to work with patients in the Austin, TX area and from all over the state to help them get back to a more balanced life. Contact our team today to set up your mental health assessment with our compassionate providers.
How Do We Treat Bipolar Disorder?
During your initial consultation, we'll review the symptoms and feelings you're struggling with, in addition to learning more about your medical profile and family history. We might also perform brain wave analysis or genetic testing using our practice's advanced GeneSight® system to guide your treatment. Once we've diagnosed your condition, we'll discuss your options and build out a personalized bipolar disorder treatment plan. We offer a variety of treatments for bipolar disorder at Mynd Works Psychiatry, including mental health counseling, lifestyle guidance, and medication, to help stabilize a patient's moods and limit symptoms. Throughout your treatment program, we'll continue to check in on your mental health and adjust your treatment as needed.
How We're Different
At Mynd Works Psychiatry, we believe in a personalized approach to mental health, acknowledging that every patient's brain chemistry is unique. We utilize cutting-edge tools like genetic testing to delve deeper into your well-being. Our Elite concierge services offer unparalleled convenience, including immediate care, flexible appointment scheduling, and direct communication with your provider. Contact us to learn more about our tailored packages designed to enhance your mental health experience.
What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary, depending on which phase of the condition you're experiencing. Individuals who are in a manic episode might have the following symptoms:
- Difficulty focusing on a single thought for long
- Reckless or impulsive behavior
- Feeling unusually energetic or high-spirited
- Difficulty sleeping or sitting still
If you are in a depressive episode, you might experience:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Fatigue
- Lack of motivation or interest in your normal hobbies
- Negative thoughts that don't seem to have any trigger
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be easily missed or mistaken as another condition, which is why we recommend scheduling a mental health assessment with our Austin, TX psychiatric team so we can properly diagnose your disorder.
Mynd Works Psychiatry Reviews
Kathie Bowles has helped me tremendously. I suffer from anxiety and it limited my ability to reach my full potential. We worked together trying to figure out the best meds for my situation. She had mentioned a brain wave analysis that might assist in finding the best medication for my brain. It took me awhile to conduct the test. Once I did and I tried the new medication and my life has changed dramatically. I am no longer crippled by fear. I am very thankful for Kathie and value her expertise.
Kathie saved my life. I was in and out of psychiatric care for almost 2 decades. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 in my early teens. I was inconsistent with my meds and developed an addiction to cocaine, to help me stay present and energy to get through the day. Kathie was the only person who identified that my addiction to cocaine was linked to my undiagnosed ADHD. Once Kathie started treating my ADHD and stabilizing my mood, my life did a 180. I felt like a human being, I could focus, be present, and the energy to function in life. It was like someone had finally turned the lights on in my head. I am extremely grateful that I have Kathie in my life. I don't know if I would still be here, if I didn't have her help.
I've been seeing Kathie for many years now & never felt more understood. When I first came to see her, I was in a severe state of psychosis & my life was rapidly spiraling downward. At my worst, it seemed I was losing my mind, struggling to differentiate in between dreams & reality due to lifelong misdiagnoses, non-treatment & unresolved trauma. I knew if I didn't get help, I wouldn't make it much longer. My delusions, paranoia, crippling anxiety & insomnia had essentially become so overwhelming I could no longer function. Kathie instantly recognized my desperate need for help & recommended a brain scan after not responding to a couple of medications I had been prescribed by my previous physician. Thanks to her genuine care & concern for my wellbeing, she was able to not only diagnose me correctly but more importantly, put me on the right medication right away. Within the first month I already saw noticeable differences. Looking back today, I can honestly say Kathie saved my life. Everything I was able to accomplish in these past 8 years, from being able to sleep without nightmares, to functioning on a daily basis, becoming sociable again & to forming lasting & healthy relationships, has been because of her. 12/10 highly recommend
I am so glad to have stumbled upon Mynd Works Psychiatry in my search for help with anxiety and OCD. Kathie is amazing! She listens attentively to your issues and works to find the right combination of medicine and therapy to best address your concerns and symptoms. Her integrated approach utilizes gene and brain wave testing that helps to determine the right medications that will work with your body chemistry reducing the trial and error phase of treatment. Additionally, she provides great referrals for outside therapy and treatment. Highly recommend!
Kathie is a great practitioner with a keen intellect and passionate for her work. Highly recommend if you’re in need of medication management, therapy or any services provided.
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Bipolar Disorder FAQ
Is bipolar disorder genetic?
Bipolar disorder can run in families, so genetics might be a factor. That said, not everyone with a family history of bipolar disorder will develop it. Environmental influences and life events also play a role.
Does bipolar disorder get worse with age?
Without treatment, bipolar disorder can become more challenging to manage as time goes on. However, with the right care, many people can lead stable, healthy lives regardless of age. That's why we recommend scheduling a mental health consultation at our Austin, TX practice or online to seek personalized care to manage your moods.
How can you test for bipolar disorder?
There are a number of self-report questionnaires that are designed to distinguish manic symptoms such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). With that said, bipolar is a spectrum disorder so some people may not have those exact symptoms. That’s why our team at Mynd Works Psychiatry know that it’s critical to assess your symptoms, personal history, and family background along with the MDQ. In addition, other questionnaires are completed to rule out other overlapping disorders before making a diagnosis.
Manage Your Moods
If you are having difficulty regulating your moods, emotions, or energy levels, you might be living with bipolar disorder. While this condition can be challenging, you don't have to let it keep you from enjoying a balanced, stable life. Reach out to our team at Mynd Works Psychiatry to arrange a consultation, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. Whether you live in the Austin, TX area or anywhere in the state, we're here to help you manage your mental health.