Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Miami, FL — Diagnosis & Medication

Bipolar disorder is a serious but treatable mental health condition — and getting the right diagnosis and treatment plan is essential. If you or a loved one is searching for bipolar disorder treatment in Miami, Elevate Psychiatry's board-certified psychiatrists offer evidence-based care across multiple locations and via telehealth throughout Florida.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania (elevated, expansive, or irritable mood) alternating with episodes of depression. There are several types:

• Bipolar I — Full manic episodes lasting at least 7 days, often requiring hospitalization; depressive episodes also occur
• Bipolar II — Hypomanic episodes (less severe than full mania) alternating with major depressive episodes
• Cyclothymic disorder — Numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms over at least 2 years
• Other specified bipolar disorders — Symptoms that don't fit the above categories but still significantly impair functioning

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms to Watch For

Manic/hypomanic symptoms: decreased need for sleep, elevated or irritable mood, racing thoughts, rapid speech, impulsive behavior, inflated self-esteem, increased goal-directed activity.

Depressive symptoms: persistent low mood, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Because bipolar disorder can be misdiagnosed as major depression (especially Bipolar II), a thorough psychiatric evaluation is critical for an accurate diagnosis.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Elevate Psychiatry

Our Miami psychiatrists use a personalized, evidence-based approach to bipolar disorder treatment that may include:

• Mood stabilizers — Lithium, valproate, lamotrigine, and other FDA-approved medications to prevent mood episodes
• Atypical antipsychotics — Quetiapine, lurasidone, aripiprazole, and others, often used in combination with mood stabilizers
• Psychotherapy — Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and family-focused therapy
• Genetic testing — GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing to identify which medications your body is most likely to respond to
• TMS therapy — Transcranial magnetic stimulation may be used for the depressive phase of bipolar disorder in select patients

Why Proper Diagnosis Matters for Bipolar Disorder

Treating bipolar disorder incorrectly — for example, prescribing antidepressants without a mood stabilizer — can trigger mania or rapid cycling. Our psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations that look at mood history, family history, sleep patterns, and functioning to ensure an accurate diagnosis before starting any treatment.

Bipolar Disorder Psychiatrists in Miami — Multiple Locations

Elevate Psychiatry has three locations in the Miami metro area: Doral, Coconut Grove, and Brickell. We also offer telehealth appointments for patients throughout Florida who prefer remote care.

Ready to get the right bipolar disorder treatment? Call (305) 908-1115 or book your psychiatric evaluation online. Same-week appointments are often available.