Bipolar disorder is now recognized as a spectrum of symptoms. The days of “manic-depression” have evolved as we gain a better understanding of bipolar spectrum disorders. Bipolar depression (bipolar 2) can look very much like unipolar depression (major depression), but the medications used to manage bipolar depression are different.
Bipolar mania is a significant concern that should be addressed immediately, with a number of treatment options depending on the severity of symptoms. Bipolar disorder with “mixed features” lies somewhere in the middle. There are now a number of medications approved for a variety of symptoms of bipolar disorder, and new treatment options continue to be developed. Finding the right medication(s) at the right dosage(s) is what I specialize in.