Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar disorder can feel like a rollercoaster you can’t escape. However, help is available to manage your symptoms—letting the rollercoaster slow to a stop.

Learn how our Florida center treats bipolar disorder.

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What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder’s main characteristics are extreme changes that impact moods, thoughts, activities, energy levels, and behaviors. Those with the disorder often describe experiencing unpredictable highs and lows.

While it’s natural for daily moods to fluctuate, bipolar mood swings are far more extreme. Severe highs, also known as mania or hypomania, can impede a person’s ability to focus on their career or academics. They may act more energetic and impulsive—leading to poor decision making and self-destructive habits.

Intense lows are known as depressive episodes and mimic common depression symptoms such as unrelenting sadness, lack of energy, and the inability to find joy in beloved activities.

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The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are different types of bipolar disorder, and symptoms fluctuate from patient to patient. This is why many patients struggle to find a mental health provider that can help them manage the condition.

Our bipolar disorder treatment center in Florida takes extra time and care to narrow your diagnosis to craft the most appropriate treatment plan.

Bipolar I Disorder

Individuals with bipolar I disorder have experienced at least one manic episode in their lifetime, which might precede or follow hypomanic or major depressive episodes.

Manic episodes in bipolar I disorder are severe and usually persist for at least seven days. They can significantly impact daily life and, in some cases, may require hospitalization.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder shares similarities with bipolar I disorder, but is generally milder. Patients experience at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode at some point, without ever reaching the intensity of full manic episodes.

The hypomanic episodes in bipolar II resemble manic episodes, but usually do not cause major disruptions in daily life. The depressive episodes within bipolar II can occur more often and may be as debilitating as those experienced in bipolar I.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder marked by fluctuating mood states. Those with cyclothymic disorder encounter mood episodes similar to hypomania and depression, but these aren’t as intense or enduring as standard episodes.

For a diagnosis, persistent and generalized symptoms last at least two years.

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Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder has several symptoms across manic, hypomanic, and depressive phases, with each phase having distinct features. The intensity and length of these symptoms vary from person to person.

Manic or Hypomanic Symptoms

Elevated mood, extreme joy, enthusiasm, or feelings of euphoria
Increased energy, irritability, and agitation
Decreased need for sleep
Rapid speech and thoughts
Participation in risky behaviors and impulsive decisions
Exaggerated self-confidence or grandiose feelings
Excessive appetites for food, drinking, or a heightened sex drive

Depressive Symptoms

Persistent low mood, including feelings of sadness, despair, or emptiness
Diminished energy and fatigue
Sleep issues, either insomnia or oversleeping
Difficulty focusing and making decisions
Memory issues
Changes in appetite
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Thoughts of suicide or a negative outlook on oneself

Mixed episodes can also occur, featuring simultaneous symptoms of both manic and depressive episodes. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, give us a call.

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What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

The precise cause of bipolar disorder remains uncertain, but it is thought to result from a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic factors: There is an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder if you have a family history of the condition.
Neurobiological elements: Imbalances in specific neurotransmitters and structural differences in the brain might influence the occurrence of bipolar disorder.
Environmental triggers: Significant stressors can initiate the onset of bipolar disorder, such as the loss of a loved one or significant life changes.

How Elevate Psychiatry Treats Bipolar Disorder

Managing bipolar disorder typically combines medication, talk therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. However, we also want to acknowledge that each patient needs a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. A treatment plan that helps one person could be incompatible with or even slow progress for another.

As such, our team develops individualized and distinctive plans to increase your chances of success.

Talk Therapy to Understand Yourself and Stay Connected

It’s easy to feel completely alone when dealing with the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a powerful foundation that reconnects you to yourself and your community.

One form in particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stands out for its effectiveness in identifying and modifying negative thought patterns or behaviors associated with mood swings.

Family participation is another way to approach the disorder to help establish a supportive and understanding environment. This method focuses on educating family members about the disorder to improve communication and emotional support within the family unit.

Medications to Reduce Mood Swings and Depressive Episodes

Medications can help manage bipolar disorder symptoms by stabilizing mood swings and reducing recurrent episodes. These medications include mood stabilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and anxiety medications.

When you work with us, we collaborate with you on a specialized treatment plan to find the most suitable medication type and dosage.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Manage Symptoms

An unhealthy lifestyle can make the unpredictable and debilitating symptoms of bipolar disorder worse. However, there’s a silver lining to this cloud: It also means you can reduce your symptoms’ severity by building reliable, healthy habits.

We work with patients to help them build habits such as:

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Participating in constant physical activity
Consuming a healthy, balanced diet
Using stress reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises
Steering clear of alcohol and narcotics
Creating a network of support with friends, relatives, and mental health professionals

Manage Your Bipolar Disorder with Our Medical Experts

Millions of people live with different types of bipolar disorder. A National Institute of Mental Health study found 2.8% of adults in the U.S. diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and many are living happy and fulfilling lives thanks to finding the right bipolar treatment.

We provide targeted, personalized bipolar treatment in Florida for all types of bipolar disorder. Our team of licensed medical professionals is ready to work with you.

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