The need for bipolar disorder treatment is prevalent. That’s because bipolar disorder is the most common neurological brain disorder in the United States. It affects approximately 2.3 million people or 1% of the adult population. This mental illness creates mood swings that interfere with a person’s day-to-day tasks.
Fortunately, people with bipolar disorder can live a healthy, active life with bipolar disorder treatment. At SoCal Empowered, our mental health treatment center provides inpatient bipolar disorder treatment in Orange County, California that includes therapies and medication, so you can achieve mental wellness.
People who suffer from bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they are depressed. This makes reviewing your medical history prior to a diagnosis important. That’s just one of the steps we’ll take before you come and stay with us at one of the premier residential bipolar disorder treatment centers in California.
What is BIPOLAR disorder?
Types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder is extremely severe and dangerous. It involves having manic episodes that last at least one week. These manic symptoms can be so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes usually occur too, lasting at least 2 weeks. It is even possible to have depressive and manic symptoms at the same time.
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes. However, these episodes are not as intense and problematic as those associated with Bipolar I Disorder.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Also called Cyclothymia, Cyclothymic Disorder is defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms. However, the symptoms alone do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic and a depressive episode. These symptoms must be present for at least 2 years in adults and 1 year in children and adolescents.
Generally speaking, it’s possible for people to experience symptoms of more than one type of bipolar disorder. These cases can be the most difficult to diagnose.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Common symptoms and warning signs of bipolar disorder include:
- Periods of unusually intense emotion
- Changes in sleep patterns and energy levels
- Uncharacteristic behavior that often occurs without recognizing their likely harmful or undesirable effects
While bipolar disorder can be diagnosed in children, it usually is not identified until someone reaches the teen years or early adulthood. It is possible for bipolar disorder to initially appear during or after pregnancy. Symptoms can vary over time, but bipolar disorder treatment is typically ongoing throughout a person’s life so that it can be managed safely.
CONDITIONS CO-OCCURRING WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER
Psychosis
Severe episodes of mania or depression may include psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Psychotic symptoms generally match the person’s extreme mood.
A manic episode may include an unrealistic belief that a person is rich and famous. Conversely, a depressive episode may lead someone to wrongly think that they are financially ruined, committed a crime, or have a serious illness. Due to possible psychotic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, people can be wrongly diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorder very commonly co-occurs with bipolar disorder given the many similarities in symptoms.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
For the same reason, it’s far from uncommon for a person to be diagnosed both with bipolar disorder and adult ADHD.
Alcohol or Substance Abuse
A person with bipolar disorder may misuse alcohol or drugs and engage in other high-risk behaviors while under the influence. Negative effects of drug and alcohol abuse are usually most apparent to family members and friends, and this may or may not help to identify the presence of bipolar disorder.
Eating Disorders
In certain situations, people with bipolar disorder also have an eating disorder that can include problems such as binge eating or bulimia.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment & Therapies
MEDICATION
Mood stabilizers and second-generation antipsychotics are common medications used to treat bipolar disorder. Some treatment plans may include medications that are focused on sleep or anxiety challenges. Antidepressants are prescribed to treat bipolar depression. They are prescribed with mood stabilizers to prevent a manic episode.
Bipolar disorder medication must be taken as prescribed and consistently, even when the person is feeling well. This is all done with the supervision of a medical professional. The person medicating should immediately report any concerns or side effects that may be due to the medication. Such a person should also never just stop taking the medication without the involvement of a medical professional.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy or “talk therapy” is another effective manner of bipolar disorder treatment. Psychotherapy offers a plethora of therapy techniques that all help identify and change troubling thoughts and behaviors. For instance, therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation are used to treat various mental conditions. They can provide tremendous support, education, and guidance for people with bipolar disorder and their families.
Newer therapies have been designed specifically for bipolar disorder treatment like interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) and family-focused therapy. Ongoing research will hopefully determine if intensive psychotherapeutic intervention during the early stages of bipolar can prevent or limit its full-blown onset. For now, this is an approach that helps a lot of people who need treatment.
residential bipolar disorder treatment in orange county, california
Get the help you or a loved one needs now!
When you suffer from bipolar disorder, the mood swings can make managing daily life activities seem all but impossible. If you or someone you love is experiencing signs and symptoms, give us a call today. Together we will determine if bipolar disorder treatment in Orange County, California is right for you or your loved one. We can overcome this together, but it starts with that first step of contacting us.