Bipolar
Many with a Bipolar type depression spend years of frustration receiving the wrong advice and the wrong medicines for this very treatable type of depression. It also can be surprisingly common it is in milder forms. In addition to depression symptoms, those with bipolar depression additionally experience either “highs” in energy or mood, or recurrent irritability, disturbed sleep and/or uncharacteristic behavior.
Bipolar Depression is one of Dr. Hill’s specialties, and he carefully stays informed with the most recent research available. Dr. Hill gained extensive experience working with Bipolar Depression in community mental health centers both in Illinois and at Terry Reilly Health Services in Nampa, ID. At Terry Reilly, Dr. Hill directed a major reorganization of the Behavioral Health Center in addition to providing direct client services.
Bipolar Depression can be very difficult to evaluate. Traditional tests and even the official DSM list of Bipolar symptoms is typically just one piece of the puzzle in arriving at an accurate diagnosis. Equally important as self-observed symptoms are:
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the family’s mental health history
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friends’ and family perception of symptoms
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past response to medication
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age at the first major depression
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long-term patterns in symptoms
As this long list suggests, working with a provider who truly specializes in Bipolar can be critical to getting the right diagnosis and the right help in a timely way. In one study, those with a Bipolar depression went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for an average of 12 years. So, if you have concerns after doing some reading or taking a self-test, please seek out expert consultation.
If you have questions about Bipolar, are seeking a second opinion, or are looking to re-establish counseling, Dr. Hill would be happy to meet with you. His style is to first get to know you as a human being, then learn what symptoms of Bipolar Depression you’d like to address first. From there, you two can choose an approach that has been proven effective in research and that also suits your own preferences and personality.