Bipolar disorder can be challenging enough without having to find time each week to drive to your th

It may take years to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Once you are, help is just a phone call away. While there’s no cure for this life-changing illness that causes mood swings from mania to depression, you can manage it with the proper medication and therapy.

Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Bosede Iwuamadi, DNP, PMHNP, offers psychiatric mental health care and telemental health for patients experiencing bipolar disorder and other mental health issues at Newstone Behavioral Health in Garland, Texas.

What is bipolar disorder?

Since people most often seek help during depressive episodes rather than manic ones, they may not receive a correct diagnosis for bipolar disorder for years. Dr. Iwuamadi and our compassionate staff pay close attention to your mental health history and experiences as you progress toward better health.

 Bipolar disorder encompasses three types of mental illness:

Bipolar I

People with bipolar I disease suffer from severe mood swings with extreme manic episodes lasting a week or more, followed by at least 14 days of depression.

Bipolar II 

Less extreme than bipolar I, patients alternate between a few days of hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than mania, and depressive episodes. Hypomania, like mania, may include:

• An abnormally high energy level
• Extensive feelings of elation
• Feeling sleep-deprived yet rested
• Feelings superhuman 
• Talking excessively
• Racing thoughts

Both mania and hypomania can cause people to behave impulsively for an extended period, which may lead to rash choices, such as reckless sex, buying sprees, drinking bouts, and more. It’s important to discuss all your symptoms with your counselor to receive an accurate diagnosis and help.

Cyclothymic disorder

 People with less intense, yet longer lasting, mood swings may be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder.

 Dr. Iwuamadi and our team offer therapeutic support and medication management through telemental health for patients with bipolar disorder.

Telemental health to the rescue 

Telemental health has grown in popularity over the past decade due to convenience and necessity during the pandemic. Dr. Iwuamadi and the team use telemental health via phone or videoconferencing to assist with:

• Weekly checkups
• Psychotherapy counseling
• Prescription management

Telemental health saves patients both time and energy best used elsewhere.

Benefits of telemental health 

Dr. Iwuamadi uses telemental health for quick check-ins, counseling sessions, digital prescription updates, and more. Benefits include:

• Extended hours for better availability
• No driving needed
• Quick check-ins and monitoring

It’s especially helpful for patients with a full schedule or undergoing depressive episodes who’d rather talk from home. It makes communication easier overall, whether during scheduled appointments or time-sensitive check-ins.

Several studies have shown that telepsychiatry is beneficial, noting reliable diagnoses, steady patient progress, and satisfaction rates on par with in‐person counseling.

How we treat bipolar disorder through telehealth 

Dr. Iwuamadi provides critical ingredients to help patients manage their illness, including: 

Mood stabilizers

This type of medication, such as lithium, is thought to work by altering neurotransmitters and brain cell excitability. Trial and error may be necessary to pinpoint the correct medication and dosages. That’s why it’s so important to have constant access to your doctor via telehealth.

Talk therapy

Talk therapy allows patients to learn more about their disease and discuss any problems in a timely manner.

Mood journal

The doctor recommends keeping a mood journal to track your moods.

Nearly 90% of those with bipolar disorder are related to someone who’s also suffered from this disease or depression. Other factors, such as stress, sleep deprivation, alcohol, and/or drugs, may spark bipolar episodes, which usually begin in one’s 20s.  

Building a mental health connection has never been easier

Dr. Iwuamadi helps patients manage their bipolar disorder and other issues through telemental health. If you’ve been diagnosed or wish to discuss this or other pressing mental health issues via telehealth, contact us at Newstone Behavioral Health in Garland, Texas, today.