Bipolar Treatment

Bipolar disorder can cause serious problems in many patients’ lives.

All too often, patients find themselves dealing with the impact of manic episodes or struggling to dig themselves out of long-term depressive episodes. Having the right treatment for bipolar disorder, on the other hand, can lead to substantial improvement in symptoms and, for many patients with bipolar disorder, a life with a higher overall level of freedom.

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Types of Bipolar Disorder

Doctors usually break bipolar disorder into categories depending on the patient’s specific symptoms.

The categories of bipolar disorder include:

Bipolar 1:

Mania-based, with at least one episode of mania lasting more than a week. May or may not include depressive episodes, though many patients with Bipolar 1 may note these symptoms

Bipolar 2:

At least one depressive episode and symptoms of hypomania that last for at least four days

Cyclothymia:

Symptoms of mania and depression lasting for two years or more, but that do not reach the severity needed for a Bipolar 1 or Bipolar 2 diagnosis

Rapid cycling bipolar disorder:

4 or more episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania within a year, including long-lasting episodes

Bipolar with mixed features:

Mixed episodes, including suffering from depression and mania at the same time or suffering from one type of episode quickly followed by another

Bipolar with seasonal pattern:

The symptoms of bipolar disorder line up with the change in seasons
In some cases, patients may also have unspecified bipolar disorder, in which symptoms do not necessarily fit into the other clear categories.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder typically involves extreme mood swings. People with bipolar disorder often experience both very “high highs” and “low lows.”

Symptoms of Mania

There are many things that can potentially trigger a manic episode. Manic symptoms may make a patient with bipolar disorder seem unusually upbeat or jumpy. Patients may show increased overall energy levels, extreme talkativeness, or increased distractibility. During manic episodes, patients may, in general, need less sleep.

They are also more likely to make potentially dangerous decisions or poor choices overall. For example, patients amid a manic episode may go on an extreme shopping spree or engage in risky sexual behavior.

Symptoms of Depression

During depressive episodes, patients with bipolar disorder may struggle with an overall depressed mood and lack of interest in normal activities, including things that usually bring them enjoyment. They often
show signs of changed appetite, including significant weight gain or loss or changes in appetite. During depressive episodes, patients often seem to suffer from apathy and low energy levels.

Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder

As mental health professionals develop a deeper overall understanding of bipolar disorder, more treatment options come available for patients.

Medication

For many patients with bipolar disorder, medication is a critical part of treating bipolar disorder. Medication can help manage many of the symptoms that often go along with bipolar disorder, making them less severe. Patients who have therapy along with medication may see better overall outcomes.

Emergency Treatment

In some cases, patients with bipolar disorder may require emergency medical treatment. Emergency medical care can help prevent patients from harming themselves or others during a devastating episode. Both extreme mania and extreme depression can cause dangerous behaviors that may require emergency intervention. Unfortunately, patients with bipolar disorder may not recognize the need for emergency intervention, so friends and family members may need to step up to support them and help them recognize those rising symptoms.

Day Treatment Programs

In some cases, patients with bipolar disorder may benefit from day treatment programs. Outpatient treatment may involve therapy alongside a variety of care services. In many cases, patients can go home at the end of the day but may need intensive assistance and support to help them recover from a manic or depressive episode. Outpatient treatment allows for strong bonds with caregivers and other patients while still maintaining a sense of normalcy in the patient’s life.

Inpatient Treatment

Residential treatment for bipolar disorder can be critical in helping some patients achieve lasting recovery. Individuals experiencing manic or depressive episodes may struggle to make healthy decisions in many areas of life. Inpatient care provides a safe space away from potential triggers, allowing patients to focus on identifying challenges and working through solutions. For many, it also offers a much-needed break from daily responsibilities, creating the ideal environment for focused healing.

Group Therapy

Many patients dealing with symptoms of bipolar disorder find that group therapy is a great way to work through those symptoms and challenges with others going through the same struggles. Group therapy can help provide solutions for known concerns and make many patients with bipolar disorder feel less alone, which can help them down the path to recovery.

Family Therapy

Bipolar disorder impacts not only the person suffering from it but also their family. Many family members struggle heavily with the ongoing impact of bipolar disorder. Family therapy can help provide coping mechanisms for family members and identify many of the potential problems they may address.

In addition, because of the genetic factor of bipolar disorder, family therapy can help identify potential symptoms in other family members, which can make it easier for them, in turn, to seek treatment. Family therapy can also help restore relationships that may have suffered significant damage due to bipolar disorder.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Many patients who suffer from bipolar disorder also experience a co-occurring substance use disorder. In many cases, individuals turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to cope with ongoing symptoms. Working with a mental health provider can make it easier to address addiction-related challenges, including detox and rehabilitation. Treating substance use disorders is often a critical step toward restoring overall mental health and wellness for those with bipolar disorder.

Additionally, because of the genetic factor associated with bipolar disorder, family therapy can play a vital role. It can help identify symptoms in other family members early, making it easier for them to seek treatment if needed. Family therapy also supports the healing of relationships that may have been strained by the effects of the disorder.

Learn More About Bipolar Disorder Treatment with California Care

At California Care, we provide a variety of treatment options for patients with bipolar disorder in Orange County. We specialize in developing comprehensive treatment plans for all of our patients.

Our team of qualified mental health professionals offers a variety of both inpatient and outpatient treatment options that can help patients learn to cope with the symptoms of bipolar disorder more effectively.