Owning Bipolar

How patients and families can take control.

Michael G. Pipich MS, LMFT

Dysphoria: The Dark Side of Bipolar Mania

Bipolar disorder often goes undetected and wrongly treated. Dysphoric mania might be the biggest reason why.

Bipolar and Borderline: A Differential Roadmap

Bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are often mistaken for each other. Knowing the differences between the two, and when they may coexist, can improve treatment.

How to Have a Conversation About Medication in Therapy

Fear and stigma can disrupt the role of medications in psychological care. But a knowledgable, open discussion can improve overall success in therapy.

Bipolar Disorder and Suicide: What 12,000 Lives Can Teach Us

About one-fourth of all deaths by suicide may be related to bipolar disorder. Here are some key reasons why.

Creativity in Bipolar Disorder: Fabulous or Fatal?

People with bipolar fear losing creativity, so they often avoid treatment. Here’s how therapy can save them and their creative abilities.

Are You Depressed or Is It Bipolar Disorder?

People with bipolar disorder are often misdiagnosed with major depression. Here's how to tell the difference.

How to Recognize Bipolar Disorder in Children

Does your child display outbursts of anger, excitability, anxiety or rage, followed by depression and despondency? These could be the first signs of bipolar disorder.

What You Can Do About Postpartum Bipolar Disorder

Mood swings during pregnancy or after childbirth could be a lot more than stress. They could be the first signs of bipolar disorder.

The Bipolar-Addiction Connection

Having problems staying sober? An undetected bipolar disorder may be standing in your way.

Genetic Factors in Bipolar Disorder: No Reason to Be Ashamed

Knowing that bipolar disorder is strongly genetic means nobody is at fault.

Getting Fully Aquainted with Bipolar Disorder

While there's more bipolar coverage in the media, it hasn't changed the lack of understanding and stigma that keeps people from treatment. Now's the time to really meet bipolar.