Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Millburn, NJ
Veronica M Jensen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, APNC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
My areas of expertise include Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, PTSD, OCD, and Alzheimer Dementia.
Hello, my name is Veronica Jensen, DNP, MSN, APNC, PMHNP-BC. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. I am the founder of Pathway to Wellness LLC. I have over 8 years of experience in prescribing psychotropic medications and over 15 years in the psychiatric field. I am very comfortable with complex, acute, and chronic cases. I have worked in various settings of mental health such as inpatient psychiatric units, emergency rooms, outpatient, acute outpatient services, and nursing home Dementia/Alzheimer units. I also provide consultation services for area nursing homes.
My areas of expertise include Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis, PTSD, OCD, and Alzheimer Dementia.
Hello, my name is Veronica Jensen, DNP, MSN, APNC, PMHNP-BC. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. I am the founder of Pathway to Wellness LLC. I have over 8 years of experience in prescribing psychotropic medications and over 15 years in the psychiatric field. I am very comfortable with complex, acute, and chronic cases. I have worked in various settings of mental health such as inpatient psychiatric units, emergency rooms, outpatient, acute outpatient services, and nursing home Dementia/Alzheimer units. I also provide consultation services for area nursing homes.
Alexander Sanchez
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
I have special skill and experience at handling severe and refractory cases, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
I treat adult patients who are looking for a psychiatrist that provides comprehensive and attentive care. Too often have I heard the phrase repeated: "no one has ever really listened to me before." I believe that to address someone's problem, we need to know who that person is and what their individual goals are, not just the characteristics of the problem. Let's get you back to feeling like your full self.
I have special skill and experience at handling severe and refractory cases, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
I treat adult patients who are looking for a psychiatrist that provides comprehensive and attentive care. Too often have I heard the phrase repeated: "no one has ever really listened to me before." I believe that to address someone's problem, we need to know who that person is and what their individual goals are, not just the characteristics of the problem. Let's get you back to feeling like your full self.
ADHD, Mood & Behavior Center
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
Hubsher, Sterchele & Muthusawmy are all board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists specializing in ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety & Stress, OCD & ASD.
ADHD, Mood & Behavior Center is a comprehensive Child, Adolescent & Adult psychotherapy center, available ONLINE throughout NJ & NY, from the comfort of your home, and in person in northern NJ. Our three board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists are devoted to the evaluation and treatment of emotional, behavioral, social, academic & employment difficulties, including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, learning issues, bullying & video game addiction, and collaborate with our highly trained therapists to find solutions and bring stability to the child, adult or family.
Hubsher, Sterchele & Muthusawmy are all board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists specializing in ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety & Stress, OCD & ASD.
ADHD, Mood & Behavior Center is a comprehensive Child, Adolescent & Adult psychotherapy center, available ONLINE throughout NJ & NY, from the comfort of your home, and in person in northern NJ. Our three board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists are devoted to the evaluation and treatment of emotional, behavioral, social, academic & employment difficulties, including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, learning issues, bullying & video game addiction, and collaborate with our highly trained therapists to find solutions and bring stability to the child, adult or family.
Luchiee Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, substance use disorder, or another mental health condition? Are you tired of navigating the waters of your mental health condition by yourself? You are not alone. I am Dr. Oluchi Chilaka, founder of Luchiee Psychiatric Services, and I am here to help. Together we will find the right treatment for your mental health condition. We provide psychiatric treatment across life-span, we also offer a range of treatments and evidence-based practices, such as Medication Assistive Treatment (MAT) if you’re in need of substance abuse treatment with Suboxone.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, substance use disorder, or another mental health condition? Are you tired of navigating the waters of your mental health condition by yourself? You are not alone. I am Dr. Oluchi Chilaka, founder of Luchiee Psychiatric Services, and I am here to help. Together we will find the right treatment for your mental health condition. We provide psychiatric treatment across life-span, we also offer a range of treatments and evidence-based practices, such as Medication Assistive Treatment (MAT) if you’re in need of substance abuse treatment with Suboxone.
Dr. Payal K Shah
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Millburn, NJ 07041
I am a board certified child/adult psychiatrist with 20yrs of experience. My goal is to provide compassionate quality care and I use a comprehensive treatment approach. I use principles of Psychodynamic psychotherapy and CBT and integrate it with medication management. I have the experience of treating different kinds of disorders in children/teens/adults.
I am a board certified child/adult psychiatrist with 20yrs of experience. My goal is to provide compassionate quality care and I use a comprehensive treatment approach. I use principles of Psychodynamic psychotherapy and CBT and integrate it with medication management. I have the experience of treating different kinds of disorders in children/teens/adults.
Connected Tele-Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
Choosing a psychiatrist is hard. Let me introduce myself. I am a working mother, spouse, and physician. I understand the challenges facing women and men today. As life becomes more stressful and as we do less to take care of ourselves, problems are likely to emerge. I see adults with Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Marital/Relationship difficulties and other Life Crises. I focus on present-day coping strategies and on bettering your understanding of the way your difficulties are related to overall life history. I do intensive work with people who want to improve their self-understanding, define goals and lead more productive lives.
Choosing a psychiatrist is hard. Let me introduce myself. I am a working mother, spouse, and physician. I understand the challenges facing women and men today. As life becomes more stressful and as we do less to take care of ourselves, problems are likely to emerge. I see adults with Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Marital/Relationship difficulties and other Life Crises. I focus on present-day coping strategies and on bettering your understanding of the way your difficulties are related to overall life history. I do intensive work with people who want to improve their self-understanding, define goals and lead more productive lives.
Howard S Rudominer, MD,PA
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Millburn, NJ 07041
As a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist with over 45 years of experience, I have extensive experience treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric and psychological disorders. I have been listed as one of the best psychiatrists in the USA and Canada specializing in the treatment of people with Mood Disorders on a leading depression website. I have also been listed as a Top Doctor as well as a most compassionate doctor. In addition I received the Patient's Choice Award as one of New Jersey's favorite physicins. I am a former Clinical Assistant Profesor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center.
As a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist with over 45 years of experience, I have extensive experience treating patients with a wide range of psychiatric and psychological disorders. I have been listed as one of the best psychiatrists in the USA and Canada specializing in the treatment of people with Mood Disorders on a leading depression website. I have also been listed as a Top Doctor as well as a most compassionate doctor. In addition I received the Patient's Choice Award as one of New Jersey's favorite physicins. I am a former Clinical Assistant Profesor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
Emmanuel Anyanwu
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Union, NJ 07083
Dr. Emmanuel Anyanwu, DNP, APN-BC, PMHNP-BC is a Doctoral-Prepared and Board-Certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner providing a holistic and comprehensive mental health services to clients across all ages. I am registered in NJ and NY. If you are struggling with Depression and Anxiety, Bipolar and Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders, ADHD, PTSD and Substance Use, Dr. Emmanuel is here to help. I have over 15 years clinical background in nursing and psychiatric mental health and substance use. At Sunrise Health, we work with our clients and their families to optimize patient outcomes and improve their quality of life.
Dr. Emmanuel Anyanwu, DNP, APN-BC, PMHNP-BC is a Doctoral-Prepared and Board-Certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner providing a holistic and comprehensive mental health services to clients across all ages. I am registered in NJ and NY. If you are struggling with Depression and Anxiety, Bipolar and Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders, ADHD, PTSD and Substance Use, Dr. Emmanuel is here to help. I have over 15 years clinical background in nursing and psychiatric mental health and substance use. At Sunrise Health, we work with our clients and their families to optimize patient outcomes and improve their quality of life.
Michelle Matusalem
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Union, NJ 07083
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in diagnosing and managing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, mood disorders, and more. I am licensed to prescribe medication and offer medication management to individuals of all ages seeking to improve their mental health. I am committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based care, and I believe in building trusting relationships with my patients through active listening and honest communication.
As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I specialize in diagnosing and managing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, mood disorders, and more. I am licensed to prescribe medication and offer medication management to individuals of all ages seeking to improve their mental health. I am committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based care, and I believe in building trusting relationships with my patients through active listening and honest communication.
Dr. Arif Noorbaksh
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Summit, NJ 07901
Are you struggling with depressive, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
Are you struggling with depressive, anxiety, and/or bipolar and related disorders? I strongly believe in meeting patients where they are in their individual journeys. The ideal client is the one who attends their initial evaluation to talk through their experience and potential treatment options. I approach patient care holistically and attempt to develop an understanding of the patient’s lived experience and current symptoms.
Hightower Medical Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, BSN, PMHNP, - BC
Verified Verified
Maplewood, NJ 07040 (Online Only)
Here at Hightower Medical, we provide treatment to Anxiety disorders, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood disorders, Bipolar disorder, Obsessive–compulsive disorder, Personality disorders, Adjustment & immigration stresses, Psychosis, Trauma/ PTSD, Anger management.
Hightower Medical Services is an organization that specializes in tailored mental health care. Since, untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral and physical health problems, our aim is to assist client to achieve optimal health to function and enjoy a quality life. We approach this through comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and diagnostic with interpretation, medication management, and a multi disciplinary intervention. Also, to enhance self-esteem with evidence based modalities through goals focused on self-perception, self-worth, and challenging negative self-beliefs. Our clientele is across the life span.
Here at Hightower Medical, we provide treatment to Anxiety disorders, Depression, Schizophrenia, Mood disorders, Bipolar disorder, Obsessive–compulsive disorder, Personality disorders, Adjustment & immigration stresses, Psychosis, Trauma/ PTSD, Anger management.
Hightower Medical Services is an organization that specializes in tailored mental health care. Since, untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral and physical health problems, our aim is to assist client to achieve optimal health to function and enjoy a quality life. We approach this through comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and diagnostic with interpretation, medication management, and a multi disciplinary intervention. Also, to enhance self-esteem with evidence based modalities through goals focused on self-perception, self-worth, and challenging negative self-beliefs. Our clientele is across the life span.
Glorious Dawn Mental Health Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, APN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Springfield, NJ 07081
Medication management and treatment of psychiatric disorders in adolescents, and adults, such as ► ADHD children, adolescents and Adult ►Depression ►Anxiety ►PTSD ►Bipolar ►Psychosis ►OCD ►Mood disorder ►Eating disorder ► Insomnia ►Schizophrenia, etc.
I am a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner in New Jersey and New York. My passion is driven by my desire to see everyone do well. I have always been guided by my belief that I will only be judged by the success/recovery of my patients. My goal is to foster healing and provide quality evidence-based mental health care services for patients and their families. The core focus of our care is patient-driven.
Medication management and treatment of psychiatric disorders in adolescents, and adults, such as ► ADHD children, adolescents and Adult ►Depression ►Anxiety ►PTSD ►Bipolar ►Psychosis ►OCD ►Mood disorder ►Eating disorder ► Insomnia ►Schizophrenia, etc.
I am a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner in New Jersey and New York. My passion is driven by my desire to see everyone do well. I have always been guided by my belief that I will only be judged by the success/recovery of my patients. My goal is to foster healing and provide quality evidence-based mental health care services for patients and their families. The core focus of our care is patient-driven.
Adedoyin (Aka Asim) Hezekiah Asimolowo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Union, NJ 07083
Adedoyin Asimolowo MSN, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC who specializes in psychiatric mental health with a rich background in patient assessment, clinical diagnoses, and treatment plan formulation. The most inspiring part of my career has been the ability to make an impact in my patients' lives, meet them at their point of need and help them make positive changes in their lives. . I offer extensive mental health services for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and problems, such as ADHD, Mood, and Anxiety disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, and PTSD.
Adedoyin Asimolowo MSN, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC who specializes in psychiatric mental health with a rich background in patient assessment, clinical diagnoses, and treatment plan formulation. The most inspiring part of my career has been the ability to make an impact in my patients' lives, meet them at their point of need and help them make positive changes in their lives. . I offer extensive mental health services for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and problems, such as ADHD, Mood, and Anxiety disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety, and PTSD.
Stewart R. Reiter
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Short Hills, NJ 07078
I have been in practice in Summit for over 20 years, treating adults struggling with psychiatric difficulties including: depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and ADHD.
I graduated from Johns Hopkins University, and then received my M.D. from New Jersey Medical School. I completed my psychiatric residency at New York University and then did a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. I remained on the faculty where I taught medical students, did research in clinical psychopharmacology, and had a faculty practice. I also completed an externship in cognitive behavioral therapy under the tutelage of Dr. Aaron Beck at the University of Pennsylvania. I have written many published articles and have lectured extensively in the area of clinical psychopharmacology.
I have been in practice in Summit for over 20 years, treating adults struggling with psychiatric difficulties including: depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and ADHD.
I graduated from Johns Hopkins University, and then received my M.D. from New Jersey Medical School. I completed my psychiatric residency at New York University and then did a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. I remained on the faculty where I taught medical students, did research in clinical psychopharmacology, and had a faculty practice. I also completed an externship in cognitive behavioral therapy under the tutelage of Dr. Aaron Beck at the University of Pennsylvania. I have written many published articles and have lectured extensively in the area of clinical psychopharmacology.
Akinlabi Sanusi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Maplewood, NJ 07040
My special areas of experience include Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar disorder.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients. I completed a residency training in General and Adult Psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, an affiliate program of the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, New York. My treatment approach is based on the understanding that every individual is unique in their needs. After a careful assessment of your symptoms, I will work with you in creating the treatment plan that suits you best. I believe in the combination of medication management and psychotherapy for a quick return to functioning.
My special areas of experience include Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar disorder.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients. I completed a residency training in General and Adult Psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York, an affiliate program of the Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, New York. My treatment approach is based on the understanding that every individual is unique in their needs. After a careful assessment of your symptoms, I will work with you in creating the treatment plan that suits you best. I believe in the combination of medication management and psychotherapy for a quick return to functioning.
Violina Frenkel
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Summit, NJ 07901
I have experience treating a wide range of psychiatric illnesses ranging from eating disorder, anxiety, addiction and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
My treatment philosophy involves operating from a biopsychosocial framework to implement the most comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. I believe psychopharmacological interventions are an important part of a treatment plan, but are most efficacious in conjunction with other non-pharmacological interventions such as psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral psychotherapy as well as integrative medicine. My services include consultation, medication management and TMS. I work very closely with a number of therapists who I refer to if therapy is essential to your treatment.
I have experience treating a wide range of psychiatric illnesses ranging from eating disorder, anxiety, addiction and depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
My treatment philosophy involves operating from a biopsychosocial framework to implement the most comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. I believe psychopharmacological interventions are an important part of a treatment plan, but are most efficacious in conjunction with other non-pharmacological interventions such as psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral psychotherapy as well as integrative medicine. My services include consultation, medication management and TMS. I work very closely with a number of therapists who I refer to if therapy is essential to your treatment.
Altagracia Gomez Aracena
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Springfield, NJ 07081
She provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management along with psychotherapy and follow-ups to adults, children & adolescents for different mental disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, ODD, school problems, selective mutism and Tourette's syndrome.
Dr. Altagracia Gomez Aracena is a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Instituto Tecnologico and completed her residency and subsequently her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, where she was appointed Chief in both programs. She has been working as an attending psychiatrist at Robert Wood Johnson- Barnabas Health covering adult program and the child and adolescent outpatient clinic. Dr. Gomez Aracena provides non-judgmental and compassionate care and strategies to achieve and embrace one's full potential.
She provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management along with psychotherapy and follow-ups to adults, children & adolescents for different mental disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, ODD, school problems, selective mutism and Tourette's syndrome.
Dr. Altagracia Gomez Aracena is a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Instituto Tecnologico and completed her residency and subsequently her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, where she was appointed Chief in both programs. She has been working as an attending psychiatrist at Robert Wood Johnson- Barnabas Health covering adult program and the child and adolescent outpatient clinic. Dr. Gomez Aracena provides non-judgmental and compassionate care and strategies to achieve and embrace one's full potential.
Michael Zornitzer
Psychiatrist, MD, DLFAPA
Verified Verified
Short Hills, NJ 07078
I am a psychiatrist with over 30 years experience in private practice, board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I work with patients with depression, anxiety, panic, substance abuse, ADD, OCD, bipolar disorder, marital and relationship issues as well as most other problems for which people seek professional help.
I am a psychiatrist with over 30 years experience in private practice, board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I work with patients with depression, anxiety, panic, substance abuse, ADD, OCD, bipolar disorder, marital and relationship issues as well as most other problems for which people seek professional help.
Insyte Psychiatric
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Maplewood, NJ 07040
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist . I see individuals in need of medication management. I strongly believe that clients should be well informed about their treatment . Clients participate in treatment planning and their needs are always taken into consideration. My clients feel well cared for and walk away knowing that at all times I have their best interests in mind. It is my hope that clients feel we are taking a journey together in terms of their treatment. I specialize in postpartum depression, major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse, psychotic disorders and bipolar disorder.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatrist . I see individuals in need of medication management. I strongly believe that clients should be well informed about their treatment . Clients participate in treatment planning and their needs are always taken into consideration. My clients feel well cared for and walk away knowing that at all times I have their best interests in mind. It is my hope that clients feel we are taking a journey together in terms of their treatment. I specialize in postpartum depression, major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse, psychotic disorders and bipolar disorder.
Amity Healthcare Services, LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Union, NJ 07083
My area of specialties includes and is not limited to the following: Depression, Anxiety disorder, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and OCD.
Benedicta Akpahu, MSN, APN, and PMHNP-BC, goal-oriented and compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Benedicta has over 23 years of experience in Psychiatric and mental health as a nurse and she has many years of Nursing home experience working with elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease and other health issues. Benedicta obtained her bachelor's from the University of Phoenix and Master of Science with a focus on Psychiatric Mental Health throughout life span from Walden University. Benedicta is board-certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).
My area of specialties includes and is not limited to the following: Depression, Anxiety disorder, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and OCD.
Benedicta Akpahu, MSN, APN, and PMHNP-BC, goal-oriented and compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Benedicta has over 23 years of experience in Psychiatric and mental health as a nurse and she has many years of Nursing home experience working with elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease and other health issues. Benedicta obtained her bachelor's from the University of Phoenix and Master of Science with a focus on Psychiatric Mental Health throughout life span from Walden University. Benedicta is board-certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).
See more therapy options for Millburn
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists Searches for Millburn
- Chatham
- Cranford
- Irvington
- Livingston
- Maplewood
- Orange
- Short Hills
- South Orange
- Springfield
- Summit
- Union
- West Orange
Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists
What is the most successful approach to treating bipolar disorder?
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and a number of therapies have been found effective in providing support to patients as they gain the skills to understand and manage the disorder. Family-focused therapy is often helpful for children and teens (the majority of cases develop before age 19); it aims to minimize mood cycling by improving family communication and reducing conflict. It also helps young people navigate the developmental challenges the disorder can create. Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) and variants such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)help patients manage the thoughts and feelings that influence bipolar mood swings as well as develop specific behavioral strategies to counteract them.
What happens in therapy for bipolar disorder?
Because the patterns of mood switching and its triggers differ for each person and can change over time, mood tracking or monitoring becomes a basic way patients learn about the nature of their condition. One of the most common features of therapy is finding a workable method of mood monitoring, in which patients track their daily activities and rate their moods, then use the findings to adjust routines accordingly. Patients learn ways of handling the many stresses that arise in life so that they do not trigger mood swings.
What kinds of problems does therapy help with?
Like many other mental health disorders, BPD is heavily influenced by stress; therapy provides skills for coping with stressors of all kinds. Therapy is extremely important for helping individuals identify the situations that may trigger mood switching, so that mood swings can be prevented. Therapy may especially target recognition of the early stages of mood change so that they can be managed. In addition, therapy helps patients deal with the significant amount of turbulence the disorder can create in relationships and in work life.
What is the goal of therapy for bipolar disorder?
Therapy helps patients set up their lives to maintain stability so that their mood isn’t constantly threatened by daily events. Perhaps the first task of therapy is to educate people about the nature of the disorder. At the same time, a primary goal of therapy is to enhance adherence to drug treatment. Extended periods of mood stability can prompt patients to discontinue medication, triggering relapse, while the early phases of manic episodes can feel so energizing that patients stop medication, ushering in full-blown mania and the altered self-perception that can lead to destructive behaviors. Another major goal of therapy is to understand one’s mood patterns so as to minimize both the frequency and intensity of mood cycling.