Depression and Bipolar Affective Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia, The Main Line and Virtually w/ Telehealth visits to PA, NJ, NY and FL.
For a brief video on Mood Disorders and the importance of treatment, click here.
What are mood disorders?
The term “mood disorder” refers to a group of treatable medical conditions that result in periods of significant distress or functional impairment for the individual. They include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorders (BPAD Types 1 and 2), Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and others. There are many physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists in Philadelphia and the Suburban Philadelphia area with specific training focusing on mood disorder treatment.
Why should I see a doctor for problems with depression, bipolar affective disorder or my mood?
Non-psychiatric medications, psychiatric medications, medical illnesses, hormonal changes (in men and women), seasonal changes, nutrition, physical activity, alcohol and illicit substance use and stress can result in depression and problems with one’s mood. Proper diagnosis and treatment of Depression (MDD, PMDD, Bipolar Depression, substance induced depressions and others) requires a full medical and psychiatric workup, often including laboratory studies.
What types of treatment are available for depression (MDD and PMDD), bipolar disorder (BPAD) and mood disorders?
Best treatment of depression and mood disorders should be tailored to the individual and can consist of therapy, medication management or both. A thorough evaluation by a physician or psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in mood disorders is recommended as treatment may vary from changing a non-psychiatric medication that is causing mood difficulties (and coordinating with other providers) to adding a medication that targets depression, bipolar affective disorder or mood symptoms directly. Therapy for life’s stressors and modification of behaviors (physical activity, diet, medication and substance use for example) should be thoroughly discussed and part of your treatment plan with your doctor for major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) and mood disorder symptoms (mood disorder NOS).
How can I find treatment in the suburban Philadelphia area or Virtually w/ Telehealth visits for my mood disorder?
There are several options for finding a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who treats depression and mood disorders in the Philadelphia area (or virtually by HIPAA compliant Zoom). This process can seem overwhelming (particularly if you are struggling with depression or mood instability). However, finding a mood disorder specialist is no different than finding a specialist in other fields of medicine. Talk to your doctor about psychiatrists in Philadelphia, on the Main Line or in your specific area, who treat depression and mood disorders. Call the departments of psychiatry at local Philadelphia hospitals and teaching institutions and ask what physicians they recommend. Call your insurance carrier and ask about mood disorder treatment near you or search the internet for psychiatrists who treat depression or bipolar affective disorder. Remember to specify in search engines what you are looking for (and where). For example, searching for “doctors who treat depression” may give you a list of psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners throughout the United States, while searching with phrases like “mood disorder psychiatrist in Philadelphia,” “doctor who treats depression in Philadelphia,” “major depressive disorder treatment on the main line” and “best psychiatrist near me” will optimize your results to doctors near you. If you have family or friends who have seen local doctors who specialize in depression or mood disorders, it may be reasonable to ask if they would recommend (or not recommend) a certain doctor or psychiatrist in the Philadelphia area. See the “Resources” tab for additional information.
What should I do in case of an Emergency?
Immediately dial 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room or crisis center.
For non-emergent issues, the “Resources” tab has information regarding hotlines, mental health associations (for both patients and family members) and other information that may be applicable.
Recommended texts
- DePaulo, R., Horvitz, L. Understanding Depression: What We Know and What You Can Do About It. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2002.
- Greenberger, D., Padesky, C. Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think. New York, NY: The Guilford Press, 1995.
- Mondimore, F. Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families (2nd Edition). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006.
