Mood Stabilizers
Lithium, valproate, and lamotrigine reduce episode frequency and severity.
Mood Disorders
Bipolar Disorder — Diagnosis & Treatment in Maryland
Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as depression. Accurate diagnosis and mood stabilizer treatment significantly improves outcomes and quality of life.
Schedule a Consultation →Common Signs & Symptoms
- !Episodes of depression alternating with mania or hypomania
- !Manic: elevated mood, reduced sleep need, impulsivity, grandiosity
- !Hypomanic: milder elevation without full functional impairment
- !Periods of normal mood between episodes
What Causes This?
- •Strong genetic component (heritability 60–80%)
- •Dysregulation of circadian rhythms and dopamine systems
- •Stressors can trigger episodes
Treatment Approaches
Atypical Antipsychotics
Quetiapine and aripiprazole — effective mood stabilizers with FDA approval.
Psychoeducation
Understanding triggers and early warning signs is a critical component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can antidepressants alone worsen bipolar disorder?▾
Yes — antidepressants without mood stabilizer coverage can trigger mania or rapid cycling. Accurate diagnosis is critical.
Related Topics
Think This Could Be Your Issue?
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