Proven Treatment for Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorders
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes a person to fluctuate between periods of depression and mania. Symptoms of mania and depression are cyclical, meaning they come and go over periods of time, and they often impact your ability to function, think clearly, and maintain your energy levels.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
This condition, once known as manic depression, has been categorized as a mood disorder. According to researchers, the average age that a person begins to notice bipolar disorder is 25, but symptoms can present in adolescence or, rarely, in childhood. An estimated 2.8% of Americans have been diagnosed with this disorder, and of these, more than 80% of cases qualify as severe.
Bipolar disorder is comprised of two opposing sets of symptoms. These signs of bipolar are categorized as either depressive or manic in nature.
Depressive Symptoms
The lows associated with a bipolar disorder can significantly impact your ability to function. Symptoms associated with depressive episodes include:
- Decreased energy levels
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty completing basic tasks
- Increase in negative emotions (i.e. guilt, shame, hopelessness)
Negative thoughts associated with depression can also increase thoughts of suicide, making depressive periods dangerous if not properly managed.
Symptoms of Mania
Periods of mania separate bipolar disorder from a diagnosis of a depressive disorder. Symptoms of mania include:
- Increased energy
- Decrease in sleep
- Persistent, racing thoughts
- Increased activity
- Increased risky behavior
Episodes of mania can be dangerous as they can lead to poor decision making. People experiencing a manic episode might also experience hallucinations which can be alarming. In order for symptoms to be attributed to a manic episode, they must impair functioning in work, school, or other general life activities. A manic episode should be closely monitored, often by a medical or mental health professional.
Cyclothymia: Depression and Hypomania
Not all manic episodes reach these heights. Some people experience hypomania: a milder episode that doesn’t include psychosis. These individuals may manage to function well at work and at home, but they will be plagued by deep depression. Occasionally, a hypomanic episode will occur. These people are said to be cyclothymic. At Serene Behavioral Health, we offer validated, clinically advanced care for those diagnosed with cyclothymia and bipolar disorder.
You can heal from bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
If left untreated, bipolar disorder can worsen over time. The recklessness of mania, combined with the dangerous negative thoughts associated with depression, make it difficult to function successfully. At Serene Behavioral Health, our clinicians are trained experts in treating bipolar disorders and cyclothymia. Our specialized treatment model targets the key components of these disorders to treat beyond the symptoms and to the root of your struggles.
First, we conduct a thorough psychological evaluation. This process allows our clinicians to identify other factors that may contribute to manic or depressive episodes, such as co-occurring health conditions or substance abuse. Through this evaluation, we are able to provide a clinical diagnosis to inform your treatment. Once we have completed our analysis and obtained a diagnosis, we can create a program of care that best meets your needs.
Our approach combines individual and group therapies. One-on-one sessions allow you to process through your symptoms and identify root causes of your depression and your mania. Serene Behavioral Health’s clinicians utilize evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing in this process.
We also offer process groups. These meetings allow you to connect with people who are going through the exact same things that you are. You can learn from their experiences, get feedback on your behavior, and build a support network for improved mental health.
Finally, we provide medication management to those in our care. If it is determined that a mood stabilizer or antidepressant will be helpful for alleviating your symptoms, the staff of Serene Behavioral Health will handle its administration. By combining effective medication with research-based therapy practices, we have seen vast improvements in even the most complex of cases.
You Deserve to Heal
There’s nothing more frightening that feeling out of control. If you’re worried that your high highs and low lows are signs of bipolar disorder, help is available. Contact Serene Behavioral Health for a confidential, no-obligation assessment to take your first step towards healing.
