Bipolar Disorder Treatment in
North Carolina

Meeting You Where You Are

What is Bipolar Disorder?
Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Bipolar Disorder Therapies:Who is it for?
Why Choose Us
FAQs

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme swings in mood and energy levels, with a reduced ability to think clearly. Many fail to realize that bipolar disorder is a spectrum illness where symptoms may range from mild to moderate to severe. People who suffer from this illness experience periods of mania, which is when their energy is excessively high, and depression, where energy and mood plummet. These periods can have negative impacts on quality of life.

Numerous studies have shown, however, that early interventions can lead to positive patient outcomes. Early-stage bipolar disorder can often be misdiagnosed or go under-reported because its symptoms may mirror other mental illnesses. It is not uncommon to see family members, friends, or even colleagues reach out to Apogee Behavioral Medicine due to their concerns.

Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

It is important to keep in mind that the symptoms of bipolar disorder fall on a spectrum and proper diagnosis along with early intervention is critical. Often, an individual suffering may think it is solely depression or that they are doing well when they are in a manic state, and it is loved ones or friends who notice. Signs and symptoms of bipolar disease will vary in severity and duration, and sometimes a sufferer can go years without an episode of depression or mania. However, a person can also experience them in rapid succession and frequency. Bipolar disorder is unpredictable in its appearance. Symptoms also include difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, insomnia, anorexia, appetite or weight changes, feeling invincible, trouble making decisions, feelings of guilt, irritability, and more.

We all experience highs and lows in life, but a person suffering from bipolar disorder experiences these emotions in a severely heightened state. When an individual is experiencing mania, they can be in such an elevated mood that their behavior often becomes unpredictable. They may behave impulsively and take unusual risks. If undiagnosed, it might come as a relief following the period of depression, which generally precedes mania.

When an individual is suffering from depression, they may find it difficult to leave bed, or they have difficulty falling or staying asleep. They may be overwhelmed making decisions, and their thoughts can be consumed with loss, personal failure, helplessness, or even suicide. A depressive state can last from weeks to months.

How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Whereas women typically present with bipolar in their mid-twenties, and men in their midthirties, these periods coincide with many significant life stressors from jobs to relationships. Early detection can prevent a decade of struggles. Since the age of onset of bipolar is later, and symptoms can be masked, diagnosing bipolar can be more complicated than other mental illnesses. Often, we treat them on the recommendation of friends and family.

If you or someone you love thinks they may have bipolar disorder, a doctor may conduct a physical exam, a psychological assessment, and order lab tests. Apogee Behavioral Medicine believes that medical conditions should be ruled out at the onset of all of our treatment plans. It is important to remember in diagnosing mental illnesses that often there can be other moodaltering factors relating to health at play, including hyperthyroidism or vitamin deficiencies.

Bipolar Disorder Therapies: Who is it for?

Today, we have many medical interventions to treat bipolar disorder, as well as lifestyle modifications that can help manage its symptoms. It helps to detect bipolar as early as possible and to have the support of family and friends when seeking treatment.

Medication

From mood stabilizers and antidepressants to lifestyle modifications like food and exercise routines, we deliver holistic treatment plans that can treat brain chemistry malfunction alongside teaching new habits to help live a fuller life with bipolar.

Therapy

Determining the proper treatment plan for someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder depends on the stage of the mental illness and how severe the symptoms are. Our staff may proceed with a treatment plan that includes therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes depending on the stage we receive a patient. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one mode in which an individual can identify patterns of thought that signal a depressive or manic episode.

Support Groups

At Apogee Behavioral Medicine, we do not facilitate support groups, but there are numerous support groups in our areas of service that can be excellent resources for families and individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder. Education and community are increasingly important for those seeking support during periods of depression and mania. Support groups can help normalize living with the disorder and have positive impacts on those diagnosed.

Lifestyle Changes

Families, friends, and those who are diagnosed may be surprised to learn that there are effective non-medical interventions that can help manage symptoms of depressive and manic episodes. Some of the most significant lifestyle changes that can help manage bipolar disorder are regulated sleep patterns, diet, and keeping a schedule. Education and awareness are essential to those diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Why Choose Us

Apogee Behavioral Medicine treats patients in a holistic way and really listens to their desired treatment plan. We are deeply committed to personalized care and place a premium on education and awareness as the foundations for all of our interventions. Our staff is available for same-day appointments, which means that you or your loved one, will not have to suffer days or months for help. Our compassionate and professional care has earned us an excellent reputation in the Southeast.

Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists

Our personalized treatment approach

We are not just dispensing medication to regulate moods that accompany bipolar episodes, we are here on this journey to educate you and facilitate a holistic treatment plan. With early intervention and proper treatment and monitoring, you can live a full, happy, and productive life with bipolar disorder.

Our commitment to providing quality care

Apogee Behavioral Medicine is committed to providing quality care from diagnosis to treatment of bipolar disorder. We are fully licensed and have decades of experience treating mental illness.

Find a Provider for Bipolar Disorder

Find an ABM provider near you and schedule an appointment today!

Change Location:

Sander Scott - a LCSW, LCAS in Greenboro, NC

Sander Scott, LCSW, LCAS

Counseling & Therapy,
Pediatric Therapy / Counseling,
Telehealth

Locations

Greensboro

445 Dolley Madison Road, Suite 100
Greensboro, NC, 27410

Bipolar Disorder Treatment in North Carolina

Meeting You Where You Are

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Bipolar Disorder Therapies: Who is it for?

Medication

Therapy

Support Groups

Lifestyle Changes

Why Choose Us

Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists

Our personalized treatment approach

Our commitment to providing quality care

Find a Provider for Bipolar Disorder

Sander Scott, LCSW, LCAS

Greensboro

LCSW, LCAS

Greensboro, NC

Sander Scott

Megan Trawick, PA-C

Greensboro

PA-C

Greensboro, NC

Megan Trawick

Byeolah Henson, PA-C

Raleigh

PA-C

Raleigh, NC

Byeolah Henson

Daniela Marques, PA-C

Durham

PA-C

Durham, NC

Daniela Marques

Derek Ayers, DO

Hickory

DO

Hickory, NC

Derek Ayers

Ami Silva, LCMHC

Hickory

LCMHC

Hickory, NC

Ami Silva

Traci Whitworth, LCSW, LCAS

Winston Salem

Greensboro

LCSW, LCAS

Greensboro, NC

Traci Whitworth

Megan Jones, PMHNP-BC

Hickory

PMHNP-BC

Hickory, NC

Megan Jones

Renee Heagney, LCMHC, NCC, BC-DMT

Winston Salem

LCMHC, NCC, BC-DMT

Winston Salem, NC

Renee Heagney

Taylor Ellis, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Greensboro

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Greensboro, NC

Taylor Ellis

Miranda Harris, MD

Greensboro

Hickory

MD

Hickory, NC

Miranda Harris

Lane Thompson, PMHNP

Hickory

PMHNP

Hickory, NC

Lane Thompson

Kendra Frazier Samuelson, PMHNP

Asheville

PMHNP

Bipolar Disorder Treatment in
North Carolina