Bipolar Disorder

Advanced Treatments and Services for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Treatments at Wells Medicine

We specialize in the treatment of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, and can often help, particularly during depressive episodes, with rapid and sustained symptom management and relief.

The Impact of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be like riding a roller coaster you didn’t ask to get on, with extreme mood swings that can go from extreme euphoria to the darkest despair. Episodes of mania and depression can occur frequently, or over many months. It can be devilish to live with, impacting the lives of those affected and their loved ones in big and small ways – and it can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Almost 3% of US adults suffer with bipolar disorder, and around 1 in 25 adults will experience it at some point in their life. Bipolar often occurs with other conditions – perhaps more often than not – including anxiety, substance use disorder, ADHD, personality disorders and conditions such as COPD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Between the direct effects and impacts of bipolar disorder, and comorbidities, rates of mortality and premature death from natural and unnatural causes are higher. (NIMH, Sagman et al., Crump et al., Biazus et al.)

Symptoms and Types of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of bipolar disorder may vary from person to person. There are two main types of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I disorder: Characterized by manic episodes that are severe and may require hospitalization. Often followed by periods of deep depression.

Bipolar II disorder: Includes less intense “hypomanic” episodes, which are shorter and don’t reach full mania, but may still be disruptive. Also includes significant depressive episodes.

Symptoms of Depression May Include

Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue or low energy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Symptoms that impact everyday life and affect the ability to perform daily activities

Symptoms of Mania May Include

Excessively elevated or overly happy mood
Extreme restlessness, impulsivity and risk-taking
Racing thoughts
Decreased need for sleep
Severe impact on normal life, sometimes requiring hospitalization

Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder at Wells Medicine

We offer advanced interventional treatments and services.

Ketamine Treatments

Ketamine IV infusions can provide rapid and sustained relief for depression of all kinds – providing clinically significant reduction of negative symptoms for about 70% to 80% of patients by the third infusion. Ketamine infusions are an exceptional treatment option.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide inhalation treatments may provide relief for depression. They appear to operate in a similar way to ketamine. Their benefits include that patients do not require an IV and may drive themselves following a treatment.

TMS / Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses targeted magnetic field impulses to stimulate neurons in the brain. The TMS SAINT / Accelerated Protocol consists of 10 treatments a day for 5 consecutive days and is quicker than other forms of TMS and many other treatment options. TMS can be an excellent treatment option.

Psychiatry / Pharmacotherapy

Psychiatry is typically a key and foundational part of thorough care for depression. Evaluation, medication management and adjustments are important for anyone taking, or who might like to take, prescription medication for bipolar disorder. We work on a referral basis with many psychiatrists and provide psychiatry services as well.

Psychotherapy / Talk Therapy

Psychotherapy can work well on its own or to improve or extend the results of other treatments. There is little substitute for the usefulness and versatility of talk therapy, and it can be indispensable for achieving and maintaining long-term mental health. We work on a referral basis with many therapists and provide therapy services as well.

Multi-Modal Treatments

Multiple treatments in combination or series are often a good choice – whether finding the best treatment fit, trying a belt-and-suspenders approach, or taking advantage of synergies between treatments – such as using the benefits of neuroplasticity from ketamine infusions to pursue Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).

Other Options and Referrals

Other treatments may be appropriate – from different types of talk therapy, group therapy, alternative therapies and experimental treatments or medical trials. We have a strong and growing referral network for our patients.

Why choose Wells Medicine for Bipolar Disorder Treatments?

At Wells Medicine you have access to advanced treatments and services backed by expertise, evidence-based medicine, and compassionate care. We’re accessible, we provide great value, and we care deeply about effective treatments for the benefit of our patients. We are an excellent option.

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