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Bipolar disorder affects approximately 4.4% of US adults and is highly treatable with the right medication and support.
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. It is characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania (unusually elevated or irritable mood) alternating with episodes of depression.
With proper medication management and monitoring, most people with bipolar disorder are able to maintain stable moods and lead full, productive lives. DLH Consulting's PMHNPs have extensive experience managing bipolar disorder across its spectrum.
Bipolar disorder should be evaluated if you have experienced episodes of unusually elevated, expansive, or irritable mood — lasting at least four days — that represented a clear change from your usual self. Common signs of mania or hypomania include decreased need for sleep without feeling tired, racing thoughts, rapid speech, inflated self-esteem, increased goal-directed activity, and impulsive behavior (spending sprees, risky sexual behavior, impulsive business decisions). These episodes typically alternate with periods of depression. Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as depression — especially in people who seek help during depressive episodes. If you have been treated for depression but have not fully responded to antidepressants, or if your moods cycle dramatically, a bipolar evaluation is warranted.
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective bipolar treatment. Our PMHNPs conduct thorough mood history interviews to differentiate between Bipolar I, Bipolar II, cyclothymia, and unipolar depression — because the treatment is fundamentally different for each. Bipolar disorder almost always requires medication. Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate/Depakote, lamotrigine/Lamictal) are first-line treatments. Atypical antipsychotics (quetiapine, lurasidone, aripiprazole) are also highly effective for bipolar disorder. Antidepressants are generally avoided or used cautiously as they can trigger manic episodes. We monitor medication levels when appropriate (lithium and valproate require periodic blood testing) and work with you to find the regimen that provides the best stability with the fewest side effects.
Bipolar disorder management is a long-term partnership. Expect more frequent appointments initially while we stabilize your mood — typically every 2-4 weeks. Once stable, most patients are seen every 1-3 months. If you take lithium or valproate, you will need periodic blood draws to check medication levels and monitor kidney and liver function. Most patients with bipolar disorder achieve excellent mood stability with the right medication regimen. The goal is not just absence of mania and depression but genuine quality of life — stable relationships, productive work, and enjoyment of daily life.
Our intake coordinator will reach out within 2 business days of receiving your completed intake forms.
Complete Intake Forms (774) 929-7420Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 516 Hawthorn St., Dartmouth, MA
Telehealth: Available statewide
We accept most major plans including:
Defined by manic episodes lasting at least 7 days, often requiring hospitalization. Depressive episodes typically also occur.
Defined by hypomanic episodes (less severe than mania) and major depressive episodes. No full manic episodes occur.
Chronic, fluctuating mood disturbances with hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don't meet criteria for full episodes.
Depression involves persistent low mood. Bipolar disorder involves cycling between low mood (depression) and elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania). This distinction is critical because treating bipolar disorder with antidepressants alone can trigger manic episodes.
Yes, bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component. Having a first-degree relative with bipolar disorder significantly increases your risk. However, genes are not destiny — environmental factors and treatment play major roles.
Medication is generally essential for managing bipolar disorder, particularly for preventing manic episodes. Therapy and lifestyle strategies are important supplements, but most people with bipolar disorder need ongoing medication to maintain stability.
Initially, more frequent visits are needed to stabilize your mood and adjust medications. Once stable, most patients are seen every 1-3 months. Lithium and some other mood stabilizers require periodic blood level monitoring.
Yes. Bipolar disorder is covered by all major insurance plans as a behavioral health condition under mental health parity laws.
DLH Consulting treats a full range of mental health conditions. Learn more about other conditions we commonly treat:
Insurance We Accept
Our board-certified PMHNPs are accepting new patients in Dartmouth, MA — in-person and via telehealth statewide.