Quick Answer
Yes, for many cases. Primary care can effectively manage stable bipolar II and stable bipolar I patients who are doing well on a maintenance medication regimen, including the lab monitoring required for lithium and valproate. We coordinate with psychiatry for cases involving severe or rapid-cycling bipolar, psychotic features, treatment resistance, or significant complexity. The benefit of primary care management is continuity — the same provider sees your thyroid, your blood pressure, your sleep, and your mood in one place.
This question comes up frequently for patients researching bipolar disorder treatment at Good Health NC in Knightdale, NC.
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