New Smyrna Beach · South Daytona · Deland, FL
Bipolar Disorder Treatment in New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona & Deland, FL
Maybe your energy, mood, and motivation swing between extremes — periods of feeling unstoppable followed by periods where everything feels impossibly heavy. Bipolar disorder is a real, treatable medical condition, not a character trait or a mood you can simply will away. We provide compassionate, personalized bipolar disorder evaluation and treatment for adolescents age 12 and older and adults across New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona, and DeLand, Florida.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
A mood disorder marked by distinct episodes of mania, hypomania, and/or depression, with episodes that can last days to weeks or longer depending on the type and individual. It's a medical condition involving complex biological, genetic, and environmental factors — and with appropriate treatment, many people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
High energy, decreased need for sleep
Racing thoughts or rapid speech
Impulsive decisions
Persistent low mood or low energy
Shifts in sleep, appetite, or focus
Mood changes noticeably different from your usual baseline
Mania involves a clear shift in mood and energy that stands out from a person's usual baseline, while hypomania involves similar but milder, shorter-lasting symptoms that can be easy to miss or dismiss. Depressive episodes involve the opposite end of the shift — low mood, low energy, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite. Bipolar disorder is sometimes mistaken for depression alone, especially if a depressive episode is what brings someone in for care.
We've also written about depression and anxiety, both of which can occur alongside bipolar disorder.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
It's a spectrum, and the specific type shapes the treatment approach.
Bipolar I Disorder
At least one full manic episode
Bipolar II Disorder
Hypomanic and depressive episodes, without full mania
Cyclothymic Disorder
A milder, longer-lasting pattern of mood swings
Who We Treat
Including diagnoses after years of misread symptoms
Adults
When mood episodes can begin to appear
Adolescents
Bipolar Disorder vs. Depression: How to tell the difference? Both involve depressive episodes, which is exactly why bipolar disorder is so often misdiagnosed as depression alone. See Depression Treatment.
How Bipolar Disorder is Diagnosed
An accurate diagnosis matters, since it shapes both the treatment plan and what to expect going forward.
Full mood history
Duration and pattern of past mood episodes
Sleep & energy changes
Tied to mood episodes
Medication & substance history
Can trigger or mimic mood episodes
Family history
Of bipolar disorder or other mood conditions
Other possible explanations
Considered, to make sure nothing is missed
Our Approach to Bipolar Disorder Care
Thorough evaluation
Distinguishes bipolar disorder from depression alone
Ongoing, collaborative care
Long-term treatment, not just one evaluation
Mood-stabilizing medication
Follow-up every two weeks while adjusting
Therapy referrals
Psychoeducation or interpersonal/social rhythm therapy
We currently treat individuals age 12 and older, since mood episodes can begin to appear in early adolescence.
Tell us a bit about what you're experiencing
01
Inquire
In-person appointments available, along with virtual options. A $100 deposit is required to book a self-pay/out-of-network initial evaluation, applied toward your total appointment cost.
What to Expect
Intake paperwork
Including insurance info, ahead of your first visit
02
Initial evaluation
Comprehensive in-person psychiatric evaluation
03
Treatment plan
Personalized, with close early follow-up
04
Meet Your Provider
Sandra MacSweeney, MHA, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Holds a Master's degree in Advanced Practice Nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health from Nova Southeastern University. Florida board-certified to treat patients across the lifespan, with a focus on evidence-based, whole-person care.