Life-changing telepsychiatry
services for bipolor disorder.
Break free from bipolar disorders with an evidence-based
treatment plan tailored to you.
Bipolar Treatment Tailored to You.
Break free from bipolar disorder with evidence-based telepsychiatry services.
OUR APPROACH
How we can help you conquer bipolar disorder
Our approach to bipolar disorder care begins with empathy and a deep understanding of how mood fluctuations impact your daily life. We recognize that no two individuals experience bipolar disorder in the same way, which is why we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, medical history, and the latest advancements in mental health care. Here’s a breakdown of how we support you:
60-Minute Psychiatric Assessment
Your journey to mental wellness starts with a 60-minute assessment, where one of our experts will take a deep dive into your specific challenges with bipolar disorder to create a care plan tailored just for you. Your journey is as unique as you are, and we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
Evidence-Based Bipolar Treatment
Our psychiatrists stay up to date with the latest research and treatments in mental health. Whether it’s therapy, medication, or a combination of both, we only recommend solutions backed by science to give you the best chance at success.
OUR APPROACH
Break Free From Bipolar Disorder
60 Minute Psychiatric Assessments
Your journey to mental wellness starts with a 60-minute assessment, where one of our experts will take a deep dive into your specific challenges with bipolar disorder to create a care plan tailored just for you. Your journey is as unique as you are, and we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Our psychiatrists stay up to date with the latest research and treatments in mental health. Whether it’s therapy, medication, or a combination of both, we only recommend solutions backed by science to give you the best chance at success.
PATIENT REVIEWS
Real Patients, Real Stories
- Jeff
- Madison
- Christina
I searched for a Dr. for my boyfriend to meet with for weeks knowing that my boyfriend was reluctant to go. I was most concerned that the experience might not go well and my boyfriend wouldn’t give it another shot. Boy am I glad we went here. Dr. Shorten was AMAZING and not only made us feel comfortable but nailed it across the board with listening and helping my boyfriend to understand what’s going on. Do yourself the favor and schedule. You will not be disappointed.
- Michelle
- Cooper
- Alexis
- Rachel
- Tiffany
"I've been seeing Dr. Shorten for 4 months. He is very professional and listens intently to How the medication is affecting me. I would recommend him to anyone."
- Scott
- Mario
- Andrea
- Leo
- Emma
- Victoria
- Lisa
- Tony
- Colleen
PATIENT REVIEWS
Real Patients, Real Stories
- Jeff
- Madison
- Christina
I searched for a Dr. for my boyfriend to meet with for weeks knowing that my boyfriend was reluctant to go. I was most concerned that the experience might not go well and my boyfriend wouldn’t give it another shot. Boy am I glad we went here. Dr. Shorten was AMAZING and not only made us feel comfortable but nailed it across the board with listening and helping my boyfriend to understand what’s going on. Do yourself the favor and schedule. You will not be disappointed.
- Michelle
- Cooper
- Alexis
- Rachel
- Tiffany
"I've been seeing Dr. Shorten for 4 months. He is very professional and listens intently to How the medication is affecting me. I would recommend him to anyone."
- Scott
- Mario
- Andrea
- Leo
- Emma
- Victoria
- Lisa
- Tony
- Colleen
Learn More About Bipolar Disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These mood episodes range from manic (high-energy, impulsive) periods to depressive (low-energy, hopelessness) states.
While everyone experiences ups and downs, bipolar disorder involves intense and prolonged mood changes that can interfere with daily life. It affects approximately 2.8% of adults in the U.S. and often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.
A diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, is essential for determining the type of bipolar disorder and creating an effective treatment plan.
The good news is that bipolar disorder is manageable. With the right treatment, individuals can stabilize their mood, enhance daily functioning, and lead fulfilling lives.
Ready to find relief from bipolar disorder?
Types of ADHD
ADHD is classified into three main types, depending on the primary symptoms a person exhibits:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-I)
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or conversations
- Frequently losing things or forgetting appointments
- Becoming easily distracted by external stimuli
- Struggling to follow instructions or complete tasks
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (ADHD-HI)
- Frequent fidgeting or inability to stay seated
- Excessive talking or interrupting conversations
- Impulsive decision-making
- Difficulty waiting for turns in conversations or activities
Combined Presentation (ADHD-C)
- A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
The presentation of ADHD can evolve over time, and symptoms may change with age and environmental factors.
Common Symptoms of ADHD
Difficulty Sustaining Attention
Frequent Forgetfulness or Losing Items
Easily Distracted by External Stimuli
Impulsivity or Acting Without Thinking
Hyperactivity (Excessive Movement or Fidgeting)
Difficulty Following Through on Tasks
Interrupting Others in ConversationsTrouble Managing Time or Staying Organized
Frequent Procrastination Restlessness or Feeling Constantly “On the Go” Difficulty Regulating Emotions Trouble Completing Long or Complex TasksHow do you treat ADHD?
Medication Management
Our primary approach to treating anxiety involves the careful use of medication. We specialize in prescribing a range of pharmacological treatments, including SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), and other anti-anxiety medications. Our experienced psychiatrists tailor medication choices to each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and response to treatment, aiming to reduce anxiety levels and improve daily functioning.
Supportive Services
While our focus is on medication management, we also recognize the importance of additional supportive services in the treatment of anxiety. We may suggest resources such as counseling or therapy, which can be beneficial in developing coping strategies and understanding the underlying causes of anxiety. We also encourage participation in support groups for peer-based sharing and support.
Lifestyle Guidance
Managing anxiety often extends beyond medication to include lifestyle modifications. We provide advice on integrating regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and relaxation techniques into your routine, as these can have a significant positive impact on anxiety levels. Good sleep hygiene practices are also emphasized to improve sleep quality, which is often affected by anxiety.
Educational Resources
Understanding anxiety is a big step towards managing it effectively. Platinum Psychiatry offers educational materials to help patients and their families gain insights into the nature of anxiety, its triggers, and coping mechanisms. This knowledge empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment and recovery process.
Common medications for bipolar disorder
Medications for mental health are just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. In addition to medication, therapy and lifestyle adjustments may also play important roles in your recovery and well-being.
The chosen medication will be carefully monitored for its effectiveness and any potential side effects, and your psychiatrist will make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Regular and open communication with your psychiatrist is paramount throughout this process. It allows for the fine-tuning of your medication regimen, tailored to your specific needs, and ultimately promoting optimal mental well-being while minimizing potential risks.
Remember, you’re not alone in your mental health journey, and seeking professional guidance is a positive step towards your overall health and happiness.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood regulation. SSRIs are considered a first-line treatment due to their effectiveness and generally favorable side effect profile. They are typically started at a low dose that your doctor gradually increases. Examples of SSRIs used to treat anxiety include: escitalopram (Lexapro) fluoxetine (Prozac) paroxetine (Paxil) sertraline (Zoloft)
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of medications used to treat anxiety and insomnia by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA has a calming effect, and benzodiazepines amplify this response, resulting in reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, and sedation. Benzodiazepines help treat many kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Examples of these drugs include: alprazolam (Xanax) clonazepam (Klonopin) diazepam (Valium) lorazepam (Ativan)
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat both short-term anxiety and chronic (long-lasting) anxiety disorders. It’s not fully understood how buspirone works, but it’s thought to affect chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Buspirone can take up to several weeks to become fully effective. It’s available as a generic drug as well as the brand-name drug BuSpar.
Learn More About Bipolar Disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These mood episodes range from manic (high-energy, impulsive) periods to depressive (low-energy, hopelessness) states.
While everyone experiences ups and downs, bipolar disorder involves intense and prolonged mood changes that can interfere with daily life. It affects approximately 2.8% of adults in the U.S. and often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.
A diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, is essential for determining the type of bipolar disorder and creating an effective treatment plan.
The good news is that bipolar disorder is manageable. With the right treatment, individuals can stabilize their mood, enhance daily functioning, and lead fulfilling lives.
Bipolar Disorder vs. Ordinary Mood Swings
Everyone experiences moments of forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or restlessness. These occasional lapses are a normal part of life, often influenced by stress, fatigue, or distractions.
However, ADHD symptoms are more persistent and disruptive. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with:
- Maintaining focus in conversations or tasks
- Following through on responsibilities
- Organizing daily activities
- Impulsivity that leads to difficulty waiting or interrupting others
- Hyperactivity that persists beyond childhood
When these patterns significantly impact work, education, or social life, ADHD may be the underlying cause.
Ready to find relief from bipolar disorder?
Want help understanding your symptoms?
Talking to a psychiatrist is the best way. Not ready? Answer these 10 easy questions first.
Types of bipolar disorders
Bipolar disorder is classified into several types based on the severity and pattern of mood episodes:
Bipolar I Disorder
- Defined by at least one full manic episode that lasts a week or requires hospitalization.
- Depressive episodes often occur but are not required for diagnosis.
- Manic episodes can lead to risky behaviors, impulsive decisions, and psychosis (loss of reality).
Bipolar II Disorder
- Involves hypomanic episodes (less severe mania) and major depressive episodes.
- Hypomania can cause elevated mood and energy but does not reach full-blown mania.
- Depressive episodes tend to be longer and more debilitating than in Bipolar I.
Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)
- Characterized by frequent mood swings but symptoms are less severe than Bipolar I or II.
- Moods fluctuate between hypomania and mild depression for at least two years.
- Symptoms do not meet the full criteria for major depressive or manic episodes.
Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
- Involves four or more mood episodes (mania, hypomania, or depression) in one year.
- Can occur in Bipolar I or II and makes mood stabilization more challenging.
Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features
- Manic or depressive episodes may include hallucinations or delusions.
- Symptoms resemble schizophrenia but are linked to mood changes.
Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
If these symptoms significantly impact daily life, seeking professional help is essential. With the right support, individuals with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and stable lives.
How do you treat bipolar disorder?
Medication Management
Effective treatment often starts with medication, which may include mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and in some cases, antidepressants. Our psychiatrists carefully select and manage these medications to balance mood swings and reduce the severity of manic and depressive episodes.
Supportive Services
We guide our patients towards supportive services that can complement their medication treatment. This might include psychoeducation to understand and manage bipolar disorder, or therapy sessions focusing on coping strategies, lifestyle management, and stress reduction. While direct therapy services might not be our primary focus, we recognize their value and can recommend qualified professionals.
Lifestyle Guidance
Lifestyle modifications are an integral part of managing bipolar disorder. We provide advice on establishing a routine, prioritizing sleep hygiene, engaging in regular physical activity, and adopting stress-reduction techniques. These practices can help reduce the frequency and severity of mood swings.
Educational Resources
Education about bipolar disorder is key to empowerment. We offer resources to help patients and their families understand the disorder, recognize early signs of mood shifts, and maintain effective communication. This knowledge is vital for managing bipolar disorder and supporting loved ones.
Common medications for bipolar disorder
Your mental health is an essential part of your overall well-being, and when it comes to managing bipolar disorder, medications play a crucial role in stabilizing mood fluctuations. The first step in treatment is to consult with a qualified psychiatrist who can assess your symptoms and determine the most appropriate medication. Because bipolar disorder involves both manic and depressive episodes, treatment is often multifaceted, combining different types of medications to address mood stability and prevent relapses.
However, medication alone is not the sole approach—psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and support systems are also critical components of effective bipolar management. Your psychiatrist will monitor your response to medication, adjusting dosages or prescriptions as needed to optimize stability while minimizing side effects.
Ongoing communication with your doctor is essential to fine-tune your treatment plan and ensure the best possible quality of life. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and seeking professional guidance is a proactive step toward better mental health.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are the cornerstone of bipolar disorder treatment. They help manage manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes by balancing brain chemistry.
Common mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder include:
- Lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith) – A widely used treatment for preventing mania and reducing the risk of suicide.
- Valproic acid (Depakote) – Often prescribed for rapid-cycling bipolar disorder.
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol) – Helps control mania, especially in patients who don’t respond well to lithium.
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal) – More effective for bipolar depression than for mania prevention.
Mood stabilizers require regular blood monitoring in some cases (e.g., lithium and valproic acid) to ensure safe and effective dosing.
Atypical Antipsychotics
Atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotics are often used to control manic or mixed episodes and sometimes bipolar depression.
Examples include:
- Quetiapine (Seroquel) – FDA-approved for both mania and bipolar depression.
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa) – Used for acute manic episodes and mood stabilization.
- Risperidone (Risperdal) – Helps manage mania and mixed episodes.
- Aripiprazole (Abilify) – A long-term mood stabilizer, especially for manic phases.
- Lurasidone (Latuda) – Effective for bipolar depression.
These medications may be prescribed alone or alongside mood stabilizers for better symptom management.
Examples of non-stimulant medications include:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) – A selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) that helps improve attention and impulse control over time.
- Guanfacine (Intuniv) – A non-stimulant that affects the prefrontal cortex, helping with emotional regulation and impulse control.
- Clonidine (Kapvay) – Often used to manage hyperactivity and impulsivity, particularly in children.
Non-stimulants generally take longer to become fully effective but may provide a more stable, long-lasting approach to ADHD management.
Anti-Depressants (with Mood Stabilizers)
While antidepressants can help with bipolar depression, they are not always used as a first-line treatment because they can trigger mania or rapid cycling in some individuals. When prescribed, they are typically combined with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic to prevent manic episodes.
Common antidepressants used cautiously in bipolar disorder include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) – Often combined with olanzapine (Symbyax) to treat bipolar depression.
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – Less likely to cause mania than other antidepressants.
- Sertraline (Zoloft) – Used in some cases for bipolar depression but must be carefully monitored.
Never take an antidepressant alone for bipolar disorder, as it can worsen mood instability.
Get More Help
Free Anxiety Quiz
Take a fast and simple 10-question depression screen to find out if the symptoms you’re experiencing may be related to anxiety.
Talk to One of Our Experts
Confused about your symptoms or unsure whether or not our services are right for you? Speak with one of our experts and get the answers you need.
Mental Health Articles & Resources
Explore educational articles designed to provide valuable insights into challenges you or a loved one may be facing, along with practical solutions to help you find relief.
More Help & Resources
Take a fast and simple nine-question depression screen to find out if the symptoms you’re experiencing may be clinical depression.
Confused about your symptoms or unsure whether or not our services are right for you? Speak with one of our experts and get the answers you need.
Explore educational articles designed to provide valuable insights into challenges you or a loved one may be facing, along with practical solutions to help you find relief.