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

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; they are:

  • 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: Bipolar II is similar to bipolar I; the ups and downs are less pronounced and debilitating
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: This form of the disorder has longer lasting cycles of mania and depression; cycles can last for up to two years, and the symptoms are again not as pronounced as in the case of bipolar I
  • Other Specified, Unspecific, and Related Bipolar Disorders: These are defined by mania and depression that is not mentioned in the bipolar disorder categories above
    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.
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Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of mania are:

  • Take Risks
  • Insomnia
  • Irritable
  • Talk Fast
  • On Cloud Nine
  • Believe They Can Multi-Task
  • Racing Mind

Symptoms of depression are:

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

On a molecular, 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.

Getting Treatment

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 in New Jersey; 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.

Finding a Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center

If you are looking for depression treatment in South Jersey, there are many options. Many people will start by consulting their primary care physician. If you feel that your mental health illness is taking over your life, you may want to look for a higher level of care than seeing a therapist once a week.

Harmony Bay Wellness is a bipolar disorder treatment center where you will find many levels of care. We focus on the individual’s needs and work with you to create a care plan that fits your lifestyle. Contact us today at 855.765.6399 for more information.

8 Bipolar Disorder FAQ’s

1. 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.
2. At What Age do the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Become Apparent?
Although the symptoms of this disorder can arise at any time, the average age of symptom onset is 25.
3. Is There a Cure for Bipolar Disorder?
This disorder does not have a cure. However, this condition is highly treatable. With the help of an experienced mental health professional at Harmony Bay Wellness, the symptoms of this chronic condition can be managed.
4. 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.
5. Is There a Standard Treatment for Bipolar Disorder?
At Harmony Bay Wellness, patients receive customized treatment plans that include a combination of psychoeducation (i.e., learning how to cope with the disorder), psychotherapy (aka talk therapy) and medication. Nonetheless, there are times when a patient needs additional treatment to achieve his or her goals. These treatments may include participating in an intensive outpatient program (IOP), receiving treatment for substance use and hospitalization.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. What Are the Different Types of This Disorder?
There are four types of this disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder and Other Specified, Unspecific, and Related Bipolar Disorders. To learn about the differences between these disorders, click here.
If you or a loved one has, or may have, bipolar disorder, and you are in the South Jersey area, call 855-765-6399 to make an appointment with one of Harmony Bay Wellness’ experienced mental health professionals.