
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Also known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterized by extreme and intense shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the inability to complete daily tasks. These extreme changes in mood are known as manic (high energy) and depressive (low energy) episodes. Some patients may also experience less severe manic periods, which are known as hypomanic episodes.
At Montana Psychiatry and Brain Health Center, we offer innovative, cutting-edge treatments for many mental health conditions. Our medical personnel are experts in the specialized approaches they take. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment and find out how we can help you be well.
Types of Bipolar Disorders
- Bipolar I Disorder – patients with this variation of bipolar disorder typically experience manic episodes that can last for at least seven days. Depressive episodes also occur and can last for at least two weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder – this variety of bipolar disorder is characterized by depressive and hypomanic episodes.
- Cyclothymic Disorder – defined by multiple periods of hypomanic symptoms and numerous depressive symptoms that can last for at least two years.
- Other Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders – characterized by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not fit into the previous three categories.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
There are a variety signs and symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Patients with bipolar disorder typically experience periods of extreme, intense emotion, extreme changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and actions or behaviors that differ from their “normal” self. These periods of extreme emotion and change in behavior are known as mood episodes, and can be identified as they are markedly different from the moods and behaviors that are typical for the patient. Mood episodes can be characterized by both manic (high energy) and depressive (low energy) episodes.
Possible Causes and Risk Factors
Most scientific experts agree that there is not a single cause for bipolar disorder, and potential causes are still being researched. Many scientists agree that there are a combination of factors that can increase the potential risk of bipolar disorder and contribute to the illness. Some of the most common potential causes and/or risk factors include:
- Biology. Studies have shown that the brains of patients with a diagnosed bipolar disorder differ from the brains of patients without bipolar disorder.
- Genetics. Genetic structure also increases the risk of developing bipolar disorder and some patients may be predisposed to develop the disorder.
- Family history. Bipolar disorder tends to be hereditary and run in families. Patients with a parent or a sibling with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the illness.
Possible Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
There are many different potential treatment options for bipolar disorder and not every patient will require the same type of treatment. Treatment options can include:
- Medications: including mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics
- Other treatments options: including natural supplements and sleep medications
The highly-trained team at Montana Psychiatry will work with you to determine the appropriate course of treatment to effectively treat and address your symptoms. If you or a loved one is experiencing the signs and symptoms of a bipolar disorder, treatment is available. Contact the experts at Montana Psychiatry and Brain Health Center today to learn more or to schedule your introductory appointment!
TMS
by Deb (age 64)
Category: generalThe hoops I jumped through in order to be evaluated were straightforward and efficient. I met with PA Kaitlin for about an hour to discuss my history and previous medications. Then Dr. Amato joined us to further discuss my history, the TMS treatment, and answer any questions. Myrna gathered all of the information and submitted it to my health insurance company to request coverage for TMS. Fortunately, insurance approved the treatment and I was able to begin the next week. I’m sure most people have anxiety about starting a treatment like TMS. No matter how many times it’s described to you, there are many unknowns. How will I feel during treatment? Is it painful? What if this doesn’t work? What if it works for a while but then stops? In all honesty, I was very uncomfortable during the first couple of weeks of treatment. The alternating two seconds of tapping sensation caused some pain during treatment, and at the end of the first week I thought about quitting. But I had sworn to myself that TMS was a last resort and I HAD TO complete the treatment and give it a chance to work. My technician, Heather, told me that some people don’t feel the tapping at all, they only hear it. Guess I wasn’t one of those people! But as the days went by, it became easier to tolerate the treatments. During this time I also saw Lauren weekly for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is highly recommended for people undergoing TMS treatment, and it was a positive complement to my total of 100 minutes each week “under the helmet”. The weekend between weeks three and four, I started to notice subtle improvements in my mood, increased belief in my self-worth, and enthusiasm for simple things like going for walks, meeting friends for lunch, and taking on volunteer work in the community. I hesitated at first to believe that TMS was helping me. I was afraid that I was convincing myself it was working because I so desperately wanted it to! But now that I am past the treatment I can say with cert
TMS
by Barbie (age 68)
Category: generalI feel so blessed to participate in the TMS protocol at MT Psychiatry. After struggling so many years with depression and not getting significant results from medication, particularly of late, I noticed positive results in the first two weeks of treatment. TMS can literally give you back the beauty & joy in living as well as the courage to make positive life changes and improvements in your daily living situation. I heartily encourage anyone to put yourself into the hands of the amazing TMS team who so gently and graciously make this journey with you out of the black hole that is depression. It is my honor and privilege to give the TMS treatment the highest recommendation.
TMS
by Shayne (age 66)
Category: generalI am grateful for the support and caring I have received from Dr. Amato (and Heidi, Heather and Myrna) in my quest for mental health and a fuller more productive life. While the TMS results have been subtle, I feel more positive about my future and I would recommend this team absolutely. Thank you!
TMS
by Carrie (age 65)
Category: generalNot realizing how fuzzy my head was, I thought I was only going through severe anxiety and depression. Through the insight of Pat, I was able to go through TMS treatments which brought down the anxiety and depression immensely and has cleared up the fuzzy, far off substantially. All the personnel treated me with kindness and I’m sure their attitudes helped in my recovery.
TMS
by Bridget (age 47)
Category: generalThe first outcome of TMS I noted happened early in my treatment, at about the beginning of week two. I felt as though my “brain fog” had been chipped away. I wish I could report that I feel my mental health issues are in “remission”, but I can’t do so yet. My hope is that I will see improvement in the weeks to come, now that my TMS cycle has ended. I can say that my brain feels – in some way – different; I can’t explain exactly how. I continue to struggle at this point in time but sill have hope for more improvement.
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