Bipolar disorder is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed conditions in psychiatry. Getting the right diagnosis — and the right treatment — requires a provider who takes the time to understand the full picture. That is what we do.
2.8%
of adults in the U.S. have bipolar disorder
6–10
average years before correct diagnosis
Statewide
telehealth available throughout Georgia
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with episodes of depression. It is not simply mood swings or being 'up and down' — it is a serious neurobiological condition that affects energy, sleep, judgment, and functioning. Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as depression, ADHD, or personality disorders — sometimes for years. An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough psychiatric evaluation that takes your full history into account, not just your current episode.
Defined by at least one manic episode lasting at least seven days (or requiring hospitalization). Depressive episodes are common but not required for diagnosis. Mania in Bipolar I can be severe enough to cause significant impairment or psychosis.
Characterized by at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode, without full manic episodes. Often misdiagnosed as depression because patients typically seek help during depressive phases.
A milder but chronic form of bipolar disorder with numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms over at least two years, without meeting full criteria for hypomania or major depression.
Episodes that include symptoms of both mania/hypomania and depression simultaneously. Can be particularly distressing and is associated with higher suicide risk.
A course specifier for bipolar disorder in which a person experiences four or more mood episodes per year. Requires careful medication management and close monitoring.
Manic or depressive episodes that include psychotic symptoms — hallucinations or delusions. Requires a treatment approach that addresses both the mood and psychotic components.
Bipolar disorder presents differently depending on the phase. Understanding both poles is essential to accurate diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder requires careful, nuanced psychiatric care. The wrong treatment — particularly antidepressants prescribed without mood stabilizers — can trigger manic episodes or worsen the course of the illness. At S. Jackson Psychiatry, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation that takes your full mood history into account, not just your current episode. We do not rush to a diagnosis, and we do not prescribe without understanding the full picture.
A thorough assessment of your mood episodes — both depressive and manic/hypomanic — including timing, duration, triggers, and impact on functioning. We look at the full longitudinal picture, not just the current episode.
Bipolar disorder is frequently confused with depression, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, and other conditions. We take the time to arrive at an accurate diagnosis before recommending treatment.
Mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate, lamotrigine) and atypical antipsychotics are the foundation of bipolar treatment. We explain every option, discuss monitoring requirements, and adjust based on your response and tolerability.
Understanding your condition is part of treatment. We provide psychoeducation about bipolar disorder, mood tracking, early warning signs, and lifestyle factors that affect mood stability.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. We monitor your mood stability over time, adjust medications as needed, and work with you on relapse prevention strategies.
Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed. We conduct a thorough evaluation before arriving at any diagnosis.
Bipolar treatment requires careful prescribing. We do not prescribe antidepressants without mood stabilizers and monitor closely for mood destabilization.
Bipolar disorder requires a provider who knows your history. You see the same person every visit.
Access the same quality of care from anywhere in the state — especially important during depressive phases when leaving home is difficult.
Bipolar disorder is treatable — but only when it's correctly identified. A comprehensive evaluation is the first step.
