Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Portland, ME | Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by shifts between depressive lows and elevated or irritable highs (mania or hypomania). These are not ordinary mood swings — the episodes can be intense, last days to weeks, and significantly affect judgment, energy, and functioning.

With accurate diagnosis and consistent psychiatric care, most people with bipolar disorder achieve real stability. Careful medication management is the foundation, and therapy adds the skills to recognize early warning signs and protect your progress.

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Recognizing the Signs

Common Signs & Symptoms

Everyone is different, and this list is not exhaustive. A licensed clinician can provide an accurate evaluation.

Periods of unusually elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
Decreased need for sleep during highs
Racing thoughts and rapid speech
Impulsive or risky decisions during elevated periods
Depressive episodes with low mood and energy
Loss of interest and difficulty functioning during lows
Distinct shifts in energy and activity levels
Difficulty maintaining routines, work, or relationships

By the Numbers

Bipolar Disorder in Context

~2.8%

of U.S. adults have bipolar disorder in a given year

4.4%

will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives

Years

bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed before accurate care begins

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health.

Types & Presentations

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I Disorder

What it is: Defined by at least one full manic episode, often with depressive episodes.

Signs: Severe mania that may require urgent care; depressive lows.

How we treat it: Mood-stabilizing medication management with therapy support.

Bipolar II Disorder

What it is: Involves hypomania (a milder high) plus major depressive episodes.

Signs: Less extreme highs but often significant, recurrent depression.

How we treat it: Careful medication selection and therapy; often misdiagnosed as depression.

Cyclothymia

What it is: Chronic, fluctuating mood with milder highs and lows over two years or more.

Signs: Ongoing instability that doesn't meet full episode criteria.

How we treat it: Psychiatric monitoring and therapy to prevent progression.

How We Help

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder at Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

Bipolar disorder is fundamentally a medical condition that requires expert psychiatric management. Our prescribers specialize in accurate diagnosis and careful medication care, with therapy layered in to support routines, insight, and relapse prevention.

Primary Treatment

Psychiatry & Medication Management

For bipolar disorder, we most often lead with Psychiatry & Medication Management. Explore how it works and whether it's right for you.

Learn About Psychiatry & Medication Management

Other treatments we may combine or consider:

Therapy & Counseling

Our Approach

Evidence-Based Care

Our clinicians tailor proven approaches to your needs.

Psychoeducation

understand your patterns and early warning signs.

CBT for bipolar disorder

build routines and manage depressive and elevated phases.

Interpersonal & Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)

stabilize sleep and daily rhythms that affect mood.

Family-focused support

strengthen the support system around you.

Medication Management

Mood stabilizers and other medications are the cornerstone of bipolar care. Our psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners provide precise, ongoing medication management and monitor closely for the best long-term stability.

Explore Psychiatry

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

People usually seek help during depressive episodes, so bipolar II in particular is frequently mistaken for unipolar depression. A careful psychiatric evaluation looks for the highs, too.

Antidepressants alone can sometimes destabilize mood in bipolar disorder. Treatment usually centers on mood stabilizers, managed by an experienced prescriber.

Yes. Alongside medication, therapy helps you recognize early warning signs, maintain routines, and reduce relapse risk.

Absolutely. With consistent care, most people achieve lasting stability and full, productive lives.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Portland, Maine