THOUGHTFUL, EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT FOR MOOD INSTABILITY

Bipolar Disorder Care for Adults

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Bipolar disorder is a mood regulation condition, not a personality flaw or a lack of self-control. It affects how the brain regulates mood, energy, sleep, motivation, and thought patterns over time. When properly diagnosed and treated, many people with bipolar disorder lead stable, fulfilling lives.

At Ann Arbor Psych, we provide specialized care for adults age 18 and older living with bipolar spectrum conditions, offering psychiatric services and talk therapy through telehealth.

Bipolar Disorder by the Numbers

Bipolar disorder is more common — and more frequently misdiagnosed — than many realize.

  • Approximately 2–3% of U.S. adults meet criteria for bipolar I or bipolar II disorder

  • Bipolar II disorder is more common than bipolar I and often goes undetected

  • Many individuals are initially misdiagnosed with:

    • Major depressive disorder

    • Anxiety disorders

    • ADHD

  • The average delay to accurate diagnosis can be 5–10 years, particularly when hypomania is subtle

Accurate diagnosis is critical, as treatment approaches differ significantly from unipolar depression.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum, and not everyone experiences it the same way.

It may include:

  • Periods of depression

  • Periods of elevated or irritable mood (mania or hypomania)

  • Changes in sleep, energy, focus, and impulse control

  • Shifts in productivity, creativity, or sociability

  • Mood episodes that may be episodic or more chronic

Many individuals experience long depressive periods and much subtler elevations — which is why bipolar disorder is frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

How Bipolar Disorder Often Shows Up in Adults

Symptoms vary widely, but may include:

    • Persistent low mood or emotional numbness

    • Fatigue and low motivation

    • Changes in sleep or appetite

    • Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Reduced need for sleep

    • Increased energy or restlessness

    • Racing thoughts or pressured speech

    • Increased goal-directed activity

    • Impulsivity or risk-taking

    • Irritability rather than euphoria

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Our Approach to Bipolar Disorder Care

THERAPY AND PSYCHIATRIC CARE

Our approach emphasizes:

  • Careful diagnostic evaluation and longitudinal history

  • Differentiation from unipolar depression, ADHD, and trauma

  • Evidence-based medication management

  • Thoughtful pacing of treatment changes

  • Ongoing monitoring for mood stability, sleep, and side effects

  • Collaborative, transparent decision-making

Treatment is not rushed — stability and safety come first.

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WHO WE WORK WITH

  • We support adults (18+) including:

    • Individuals with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder

    • Adults newly diagnosed later in life

    • Individuals with recurrent depression where bipolar disorder is suspected

    • Adults with bipolar disorder and co-occurring anxiety, ADHD, or trauma

    • High-functioning professionals seeking mood stability

    All care is provided via telehealth.

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Our Bipolar-Experienced Providers

Bipolar disorder requires clinical experience, patience, and precision.

At Ann Arbor Psych, our providers have extensive experience diagnosing and treating bipolar spectrum disorders in adults. Our clinicians understand the nuances of bipolar presentations — including those that don’t fit textbook descriptions.

Our team offers:

  • Experience working with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder

  • Skill in distinguishing bipolar disorder from depression, ADHD, and trauma

  • Evidence-based medication management

  • A non-stigmatizing, collaborative approach to care

You will be treated as a whole person — not a diagnosis.

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Angela Braun, PA-C

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Anthonia Umelogu, NP

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Austin Powell, PA-C

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Dr. Akash Kumar

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