Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Expert psychiatric care and medication management for bipolar I and II — available via telehealth
Serving Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and all of NC via secure telehealth
Bipolar disorder does not mean you are unpredictable, dangerous, or untreatable. It means your brain's mood regulation system works differently — and with the right psychiatric care, you can achieve real stability and live a full, meaningful life.
At Renew Wellness, we provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and medication management for bipolar disorder. Umi-Aisha Thomas, PMHNP-BC, brings 16 years of clinical experience and a deeply compassionate approach.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 4.4% of adults — nearly 12 million people. With proper treatment, most people achieve significant symptom control and quality of life.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I
Manic episodes lasting at least seven days, often alternating with depressive episodes. Mania can involve severely impaired judgment.
Bipolar II
Hypomanic episodes (less severe) and major depressive episodes. Often misdiagnosed as major depression.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Milder form with hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting at least two years.
Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
Bipolar II is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions in psychiatry. Because hypomanic episodes often feel energizing or productive, patients rarely identify them as symptoms. This leads to years of treatment for depression that doesn't respond normally.
This distinction is clinically critical. Antidepressants given without a mood stabilizer to someone with bipolar disorder can trigger manic episodes, rapid cycling, or mixed states.
Have you ever been told your depression treatment 'just doesn't work'? Have antidepressants ever made you feel wired or agitated? These are important signals that bipolar disorder may be the right diagnosis.
Mood Stabilizer Management
- Lithium — the gold standard; requires regular blood monitoring
- Valproate (Depakote) — effective for mixed states and rapid cycling
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal) — effective for the depressive pole; well-tolerated
- Atypical antipsychotics — for acute episodes and maintenance
Living Well With Bipolar Disorder
- Consistent medication adherence — the most important factor
- Regular sleep schedule — disruption is a common trigger
- Stress management — understanding personal triggers
- Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs
- Regular psychiatric follow-up
- A strong support network
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I have bipolar disorder if depression treatment hasn't worked?
Yes. Bipolar II is frequently misdiagnosed as treatment-resistant depression. If antidepressants have repeatedly failed or caused agitation, a bipolar evaluation is warranted.
Will I need to take medication forever?
For most people, long-term medication management significantly reduces relapse risk. Stopping medication, even when feeling well, is associated with high relapse rates.
Is lithium dangerous?
Lithium has been used safely for over 70 years. It requires regular blood monitoring, but provides outstanding mood stability for the right patients.
Find Stability — Start With a Proper Evaluation
New patients are welcome. Telehealth appointments available across all of North Carolina, weekdays and evenings.
Book Your Intake Appointment →