Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as unipolar depression, leading to years of ineffective treatment with antidepressants alone. Dr. Farkas’s pharmaceutical research developing cariprazine—now a gold-standard treatment for bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant schizophrenia—combined with her NIH research center training, provides genuinely rare expertise in managing bipolar spectrum conditions.
Take the first step towards lasting wellness, with Dr. Gabriella I. Farkas, MD PhD
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Conditions
- ADHD
- Adjustment Disorders
- Agoraphobia
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Anxiety Management
- Bipolar Disorder
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Childhood Trauma
- Cognitive Disorders
- Depression
- Life Stressors and Transitions
- Mood Disorder
- OCD
- Panic Attacks
- Perimenopausal Depression
- Personality Disorders
- Phobias
- Postpartum Depression
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- PTSD
- Schizophrenia
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Separation Anxiety
- Sleep Disorders
- Social Anxiety
- Stress Management
- Traumatic Disorders
- Women's Mental Health
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Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mood condition characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with depression. Accurate diagnosis is critical—misidentifying bipolar as unipolar depression leads to antidepressant-only treatment that can worsen outcomes.
Common Symptoms
Emotional & Psychological
- Manic episodes with elevated mood and grandiosity
- Racing thoughts and rapid speech
- Impulsive, high-risk decision-making
- Depressive episodes with profound sadness
Physical & Behavioral
- Dramatically decreased need for sleep during mania
- Excessive goal-directed activity and agitation
- Fatigue and low energy during depression
- Appetite and sleep pattern disruption
How Bipolar Disorder is Diagnosed
Diagnosis requires thorough evaluation distinguishing bipolar disorder from unipolar depression, identifying specific subtype (Bipolar I, II, or Cyclothymia), and assessing mood episode patterns. Dr. Farkas conducts comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using evidence-based diagnostic criteria and mood tracking to confirm accurate diagnosis.
Why Choose Dr. Farkas for Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Pharmaceutical Research Expertise
Developed cariprazine, a gold-standard bipolar medication she prescribes with firsthand knowledge of mechanism and clinical application.
NIH Research Center Training
Residency at Zucker Hillside Hospital (one of four NIH research centers for schizophrenia) specializing in complex mood disorders.
Sophisticated Medication Selection
Expert antipsychotic and mood stabilizer selection ensuring maximum efficacy with minimal side effects and metabolic impact.
Accurate Subtype Identification
Precise bipolar subtype diagnosis ensuring treatment strategies align with your specific presentation and risk profile.
Ready to Start Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?
Expert psychiatric care begins with accurate diagnosis. Dr. Gabriella Farkas provides evidence-based treatment achieving sustained mood stability.
Call (917) 267-9678 for Your ConsultationNext Steps
Schedule Your Evaluation
Contact Dr. Farkas to schedule your comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. New patient appointments typically available within 2-4 weeks. During your first appointment, Dr. Farkas will:
- Conduct thorough mood episode history and pattern assessment
- Perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Confirm bipolar subtype and discuss treatment implications
- Develop personalized medication strategy grounded in pharmaceutical research
Treatment Options
Based on your evaluation, Dr. Farkas discusses antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, or combined treatment approaches. All recommendations explained clearly with evidence-based rationale, incorporating your preferences into decision-making.
Ongoing Care
Regular follow-up appointments monitor mood stability, manage medications, assess side effects, and adjust treatment as needed. Measurement-based monitoring using validated mood scales ensures continued progress.
Evidence-Based Resources
Learn more from authoritative sources:
National Institute of Mental Health - Bipolar Disorder Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance American Psychiatric Association
Privacy & Confidentiality: Dr. Farkas's practice is fully HIPAA-compliant. Your health information is protected with the highest standards of confidentiality and security.
Bipolar
Disorder
Bipolar I & II — including the misdiagnosed cases that have been treated as unipolar depression for years. Accurate diagnosis changes everything. Dr. Farkas's rigorous diagnostic approach catches what others miss.
What is Bipolar?
Bipolar I & II — including the misdiagnosed cases that have been treated as unipolar depression for years. Accurate diagnosis changes everything. Dr. Farkas's rigorous diagnostic approach catches what others miss.
Dr. Farkas brings a rare combination of MD/PhD neuroscience training, NIH research center experience, and clinical expertise to the evaluation and treatment of bipolar disorder. Her 60–90 minute new patient evaluations are designed to understand your full picture — medical history, prior treatments, contributing factors — before any treatment begins.
Effective treatment requires accurate diagnosis. Dr. Farkas's rigorous diagnostic approach ensures the right condition is identified and treated — not just the most common one that looks similar.
Common presentations
How Dr. Farkas treats
Bipolar Disorder
Evidence-based, neurobiologically-informed care. The treatment plan is built around your specific situation — not a protocol template.
What to expect from
your first appointment
A new patient evaluation with Dr. Farkas is 60–90 minutes — not a rushed intake. It covers your full psychiatric and medical history, prior diagnoses, all medications tried, and what has or hasn't worked. You'll leave with a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan you understand and agree with, and a follow-up already scheduled.
Telehealth is available throughout South Carolina, New York, and Virginia. In-person appointments are available at our Hilton Head Island, SC office.
Ready for a real evaluation
of Bipolar?
60–90 minutes. Expert diagnosis. A treatment plan built around your specific situation.