Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

Medically reviewed by [Name], MD, board-certified psychiatrist · Last reviewed October 2026

Bipolar disorder causes shifts in mood, energy and activity that go beyond ordinary ups and downs. Periods of depression can alternate with periods of unusually high energy, called mania or hypomania.

With an accurate diagnosis and steady treatment, most people with bipolar disorder lead full, stable lives. Ally Psychiatry provides careful diagnosis and long-term medication management, with therapy support when it helps.

Ready to talk to someone? Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) or request an appointment online. Request an Appointment

Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder has two kinds of mood episodes.

During mania or hypomania, you may notice:

• Unusually high energy or an elevated or irritable mood
• Needing much less sleep without feeling tired
• Racing thoughts or talking much faster than usual
• Taking on many projects at once
• Risky choices, such as overspending or reckless driving

During depression, you may notice:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Low energy and sleeping too much or too little
• Trouble concentrating
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Having some of these does not mean you have a diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation is the best way to understand what is going on and what will help.

How we treat bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, and treatment works best when it is consistent. Your plan may include:

• Medication management. Mood stabilizers or certain antipsychotic medications, adjusted over time to balance benefit and side effects.
• Lab monitoring. Some medications, such as lithium and valproate, need periodic blood tests to check levels and organ function.
• Therapy and routines. Therapy, steady sleep and daily structure help prevent and spot new mood episodes early.

Bipolar I vs. bipolar II

Bipolar I involves at least one full manic episode. Bipolar II involves hypomania, a milder form of mania, along with episodes of major depression. Bipolar II is often first diagnosed as depression, which is why a careful history matters.

What to expect at your first visit

1. Call or request an appointment. Our team completes a short intake call to gather your history and insurance.
2. Meet your provider. Your first visit covers your symptoms, health history, current medications and goals. Plan for about 60 minutes.
3. Leave with a plan. You and your provider agree on next steps, which may include medication, therapy, lab work or further evaluation.
4. Follow up. Regular follow-ups track how you are doing and adjust treatment as needed.

Why patients choose Ally Psychiatry

• Appointments in days, not months. Our scheduling team moves new patients in quickly.
• In person or telehealth. Visit one of our clinics in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama or South Carolina, or meet by secure video.
• A full care team. Psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists working from one plan.
• Most insurance accepted. We are in-network with most major plans.

Frequently asked questions

What can bipolar disorder look like in everyday life?

Bipolar disorder involves distinct changes that often last days or weeks. You may also have periods when your mood feels stable. Here are examples you might recognize:

During periods of unusually high energy or irritability:

• “I barely sleep, but I don’t feel tired.” You sleep much less than usual and still feel energized.
• “My thoughts move faster than I can explain them.” You talk more quickly, jump between ideas, or struggle to slow down.
• “I feel like I can do everything at once.” You take on several projects or feel unusually confident about your abilities.
• “I make decisions I normally wouldn’t.” You spend more money, make sudden commitments, or take risks without considering the consequences.
• “People tell me I seem different.” Someone close to you notices you’re unusually active, talkative, or easily irritated.

During periods of depression:

• “Even getting ready feels exhausting.” Showering, preparing food, or going to work takes much more effort.
• “The things I usually enjoy don’t interest me.” You pull away from hobbies, friends, or family.
• “My sleep changes.” You sleep much more than usual or struggle to sleep despite feeling tired.
• “I feel down on myself or hopeless.” These feelings linger and affect your daily life.

Understanding the pattern matters.

Do these experiences mean I have bipolar disorder?

These experiences alone do not establish a diagnosis. An evaluation looks at how symptoms occur together, how long they last, and how they affect your life.

At Ally Psychiatry, we take time to understand these changes and help you explore treatment options.

Let’s talk about what you—and those close to you—have noticed.

What is the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II?

Bipolar I involves at least one manic episode. Bipolar II involves hypomania, a milder form of mania, along with episodes of major depression. Both are lifelong conditions that respond well to steady treatment.

Why do some bipolar medications need lab work?

Medications such as lithium and valproate need periodic blood tests to check medication levels and kidney, thyroid or liver function. Your provider will tell you how often you need them.

Can I stop my medication once I feel better?

Talk with your provider before making any change. Stopping suddenly raises the risk of a new mood episode, so any adjustment should be planned together.

Do I need a referral to schedule?

No referral is needed to schedule. Some insurance plans require one for specialist visits, so check your plan or call 1-833-269-2559 and our team will help you find out.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. Ally Psychiatry is in-network with most major health insurance plans. Call 1-833-269-2559 to verify your coverage before your first visit.

How soon can I be seen?

Most new patients are scheduled within days, not months. Your first step is a short intake call where our team gathers your history and matches you with the right provider.

Can I be seen by telehealth?

Yes. Many follow-up visits can be done by secure video from home in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Some visits must be in person, including initial appointments, annual visits, follow-ups after a hospital stay, and specialized treatments such as Spravato and TMS.

Related conditions we treat

• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD

Take the first step. Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment. Most new patients are seen within a day. Request an Appointment

In crisis? If you are thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Ally Psychiatry is not an emergency service.

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