Bipolar Disorder Therapy

Bipolar disorder is a spectrum of mental illness. Some people require intensive outpatient treatment programs in a bipolar disorder treatment center. Others will do fine doing intermittent therapy and working to regulate moods using medicines or other techniques. Attending a bipolar disorder treatment center for bipolar disorder will help you create stronger relationships and live a more satisfying life.

Book an Appointment

What is Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder has been called this because of the cyclical nature of the illness. In this disorder, patients vacillate between high and low episodes that are characterized by periods of mania and periods of depression. The swings are severe enough to affect how a person lives from one side of the range to the other.

During elevated periods, bipolar people will have lots of energy, they may not sleep at all, and develop plans that seem irrational to others and carry them out. During low periods bipolar people can become depressed to the point that they may not be able to get out of bed or complete regular daily tasks.

Cycle lengths can vary from person to person but most commonly cycles last for about seven days in patients that have a more severe form of the disorder. There are four types of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder will appear to go through emotionally intense periods and periods that are devoid of emotion. Each stage comes with its own set of symptoms.

Types of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I:

This is the form of the disorder where people cycle for about seven days; their manic episodes often land them in an institutional care setting like a hospital or jail; depressive episodes can be just as bad on the other end of things

Bipolar II:

Cyclothymic Disorder:

Other Specified, Unspecific, and Related Bipolar Disorders:

Symptoms

Symptoms of mania are:

Take Risks
Insomnia
Irritable
Talk Fast
On Cloud Nine
Believe They Can Multitask
Racing Mind

Symptoms of depression are:

Feeling Down
Tired
Unable to Enjoy Things
Forgetful
Dysregulated Eating
Suicidal Ideation

What is bipolar disorder all about?

Researchers once thought that it was similar to depression, but that is not the case at all. Bipolar disorder is more of a genetic illness because the symptoms are a result of altered signaling pathways in the brain. These signaling pathways control cell plasticity for the most part. Research up to this day still has not identified specific genes that are related to bipolar disorder, but these signaling pathways have been sussed out.

Symptoms of mania are:

Take Risks
Insomnia
Irritable
Talk Fast
On Cloud Nine
Believe They Can Multitask
Racing Mind

Symptoms of depression are:

Feeling Down
Tired
Unable to Enjoy Things
Forgetful
Dysregulated Eating
Suicidal Ideation

What is bipolar disorder all about?

What To Expect

Bipolar Disorder Therapy

New drugs developed for bipolar disorder are likely to have little improved effects over traditional medicines like Lithium. One good thing is that on medication and participating in bipolar disorder treatment programs; you can learn to live a healthy life with the disorder.

You may need to enter a Depression treatment center for bipolar disorder treatment program while working out which medicines at what concentration work best for you. This will also give you a chance to learn new coping skills and ways to identify changes in mood. Overall your treatment is about you, helping you to feel comfortable, and live your life to the fullest.

FAQs

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

As is true with the majority of psychiatric conditions, the reasons an individual develops this disorder are a bit of a mystery. Nonetheless, researchers state that genetics play a significant role in the manifestation of this disorder. As such, an individual who has a first-degree relative (i.e., a parent or sibling) with this disorder is four to six times more likely to develop the condition. Furthermore, researchers believe that the structure and function of the bipolar brain differs from the brains of those who do not have the disorder.

At What Age do the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Become Apparent?

Is There a Cure for Bipolar Disorder?

How can a Mental Health Professional at Harmony Bay Wellness Help Manage Bipolar Symptoms?

The mental health professionals at Harmony Bay Wellness help manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder by creating personalized treatment plans. An individual’s treatment plan may include a variety of therapies and medication. By creating custom-designed treatment plans, the mental health professionals at Harmony Bay Wellness ensure that each patient receives effective treatment that is designed to meet his or her specific needs.

Are There Any Risks Associated with This Disorder?

Yes, individuals who have this disorder are more likely to use drugs and alcohol regularly. This increased risk of habitual drug and alcohol use is due to the individual’s desire to self-medicate. The term self-medicate refers to an individual attempting to address the symptoms of a mental health issue with drugs and alcohol instead of seeking assistance from an experienced mental health professional.

If an individual with this disorder experiences a manic episode, he or she is more likely to participate in risky behavior. Participating in risky behavior increases the possibility that he or she will sustain some type of physical injury, have a run-in with law enforcement, experience relationship issues and financial problems.

Furthermore, an individual with this disorder has a higher risk of committing suicide. For this reason, it is vital to encourage a loved one who has this disorder, or who is suspected of having this disorder, to seek treatment.

If an individual with this disorder experiences suicide ideation (i.e., thoughts of suicide), treatment must be sought immediately.

Is Medication Absolutely Necessary for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder?

Yes, medication therapy is an essential component for the management of this condition. The medications that people with this disorder receive are mood stabilizers (e.g., antianxiety medications, antidepressants or antipsychotics). The prescription medications that a mental health professional at Harmony Bay Wellness orders for a patient depends on which of the four types of this disorder he or she has.

Contact Us Here!

Book an Appointment

Resources

Adolescent Mental HealthTherapy

Common Mental Health Challenges Adolescents Face

Adolescence is a challenging time as children are in that in-between stage before they enter adulthood. People often underestimate the mental health challenges adolescents can face, which creates a harmful stigma. If you have a child between the ages of 10 and 19, you need to be aware of the mental health issues they may…

Therapy

Online Therapy Resources For College Students: Is It the Right Fit For You?

If you are a college student, you may have considered taking advantage of online therapy resources. In the age of technology, one of the many benefits that come with this is more accessible and versatile mental health resources. Especially when it comes to college students, online therapy resources can be incredibly helpful for navigating this…

Adolescent Mental Health

How to Know if Your Teen Needs Therapy

Parents with teenagers need to be aware of the many mental health challenges teens are facing today. Teenagers have always had a lot of pressure on them, but only just recently have we started to remove the stigma around asking for help. Many teenagers would benefit from getting therapy, even if they don’t necessarily have…

Anxiety

How to Combat Social Anxiety

If you struggle with social anxiety, you are not alone, as this is a surprisingly common disorder that many people experience regularly or at certain times in their lives. Like many mental health disorders, it varies significantly in terms of severity and can even become debilitating if not addressed. The good news is that there…