Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center
Dr. Thompson
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Thompson
April 24, 2024
Table of Contents
- Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center
- What is Bipolar Disorder?
- What is our Bipolar Treatment Center Like?
- Types of Bipolar Disorder
- Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder
- Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
- Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
- Medications Used for Bipolar Disorder
- Levels of Care for Bipolar Disorder
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Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center
You are not alone. You deserve to get help.
Arbor Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness classified as a mood disorder. In the past, it was often referred to as manic depression. Bipolar disorder is characterized by uncontrollable mood swings that range from intense highs to devastating lows. A person cannot control their moods and there is not currently a cure for this mental health disorder. The mood swings occur in cycles that can start every few weeks or months.
The use of certain therapy modalities and medications can provide relief for the symptoms. A qualified bipolar treatment center can assess a person to determine if they have bipolar disorder. From there, they can provide focused care that helps them deal with and even minimize some of the symptoms.
WHAT IS OUR BIPOLAR TREATMENT CENTER LIKE?
At Arbor Wellness, each person who receives help at our bipolar treatment center initially meets with our staff for an assessment and psychiatric evaluation. The evaluation may include a physical exam and lab tests to identify any medical problems that could contribute to bipolar symptoms. A psychiatric assessment will also be administered by a psychiatrist.
Each person may also be asked to keep a record of their daily moods and sleep patterns or other factors that might help with their diagnosis and get them the treatment they need.
All of this allows for the development of an individualized treatment plan to meet each person’s unique needs. Our bipolar disorder treatment involves a multitude of modalities that can include:
- Genetic Testing
- Holistic Therapy
- Neurofeedback Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an important part of bipolar disorder treatment and can be given in individual, group, or family settings. From interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, we have many supportive psychotherapy options to help you through your journey to wellness.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are multiple types of bipolar disorder, and each is categorized by the length, frequency, symptoms, and patterns of mania and depression. The mood swings involved in bipolar disorder are often severe and can last for weeks and months. The most common types of bipolar disorder include the following:
Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or by symptoms of mania that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Depressive episodes also occur that last a minimum of two weeks.
Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes followed by hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are not the same as episodes of full-blown mania that are associated with bipolar I disorder.
Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, is defined by periods of hypomanic episodes in conjunction with periods of depressive symptoms that have lasted for at least two years but don’t meet the requirements to be diagnosed for a hypomanic episode and depressive episode.
Rapid cycling happens when a person experiences more than four episodes of mania, hypomania, or depressive episodes in a twelve-month period.
Risk Factors of Bipolar Disorder
There isn’t just one single cause of bipolar disorder, but its development can be contributed to a number of factors that include the following:
Brain Composition
Chemical and hormone imbalances have been linked to the development of bipolar disorder. Though more research is needed, professionals believe certain brain scans have detected bipolar disorder in the development of the brain.
Genetics
Bipolar disorder often runs in families. Those who have a parent with bipolar disorder have a higher chance of developing it themselves.
Environmental Factors
Oftentimes, environmental factors, including traumatic events and life stressors such as the death of a loved one, can lead to the onset of bipolar disorder symptoms.
In addition, drug abuse can exacerbate and bring on bipolar disorder. Approximately 60 percent of those suffering from bipolar disorder have been dependent on drugs and/or alcohol.
Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
There are three typical symptoms that occur in someone who has bipolar disorder. These include mania, hypomania, and depression. While mania and hypomania often cause similar types of symptoms, there is a difference. Mania symptoms are often more focused and severe, while hypomania creates symptoms, including psychosis, that may exist consistently enough that a person requires hospitalization.
Mania/Hypomania:
The highs of mania can be overwhelmingly high – sometimes leading to a number of negative repercussions. Manic phases may make a person feel excessively energetic and happy. Their perceived need for sleep may be impacted. During phases of mania or hypomania, a person may feel overly optimistic and invulnerable. This can potentially lead to risky behavior, such as gambling, drug use, acting out sexually, compulsively shopping, and more.
Other symptoms of bipolar disorder mania include:
- Excessive irritability
- Heightened mood
- Increased self-confidence
- Impulsiveness
- Aggressive behavior
- Racing thoughts or speech
- Flight of ideas
- Reckless behavior
- Impulsivity
- Poor judgment
- Easily distracted
- Excessively irritable
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Sexual compulsion
Depression:
The lows of depression can be crushing and sometimes even life-threatening. Most people find it difficult to function and lack the motivation to complete even the most basic of chores, such as changing clothes or eating. During depressive phases, a person may sleep too much or not be able to sleep at all. Finding pleasure in life is difficult and the person might feel hopeless most days. Sometimes suicidal thoughts can intrude and are difficult to silence. In fact, those suffering with bipolar disorders have an increased risk of attempting suicide.
Other symptoms of bipolar disorder depression include:
- Loss of energy
- Pessimism
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Prolonged sadness or crying that cannot be explained
- Changes in sleep patterns and appetite
- Anger, anxiety, agitation, irritability, worry
- Difficulty concentrating
- Indecisiveness
- Loss of energy
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurring thoughts of suicide or death
- Inability to take pleasure in interests one previously enjoyed
Effective Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
There are two types of treatment that prove most effective for bipolar disorder. The first is a range of multi-disciplinary therapies that help people who deal with the challenges of mental illness. In fact, many bipolar treatment centers offer therapies specifically shown to help people with bipolar disorder. They include different types of talk therapy, holistic therapy, and psychiatry.
The second type of treatment that helps people with bipolar disorder is medication. The type of medication depends on the individual and their specific needs. Some meds only need to be taken short-term while others are more effective when taken for longer periods of time.
Medications Used for Bipolar Disorder
Our bipolar treatment center is guided by professionals who assess and recommend the best course of treatment. At Arbor Wellness, our multidisciplinary treatment team is led by doctors, psychiatrists, and counselors who have integrated evidence-based treatments in conjunction with medications. These medications can include:
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are needed by most individuals with bipolar disorder to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Some of these medications can include Lithium, Lamictal, or Valproate.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are often used to help manage the symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder. However, antidepressants are often prescribed in combination with mood stabilizers, as they can increase the risk of mania.
Antipsychotics
For bipolar disorder patients suffering from hallucinations, paranoia, or psychosis, antipsychotics can help ease these symptoms.
For clients who are interested in non-pharmacological options, Arbor Wellness has developed a multitude of evidence-based and holistic approaches that can help bridge the gap between healing and comfort.
Does Insurance Cover Bipolar Treatment?
Many people are surprised to find out that insurance often covers mental health costs, including bipolar treatment. They should start by contacting their insurance company and finding out exactly what they cover. Almost all insurance companies understand that mental illness is comparable to physical illness, and they provide coverage for a variety of treatment approaches. The same principle applies to care needed for substance use disorders.
Levels of Care for Bipolar Disorder
When someone decides to go to a bipolar treatment center, they have two choices for the level of care they receive. An assessment prior to beginning treatment will determine which one best suits their needs.
Residential Bipolar Treatment
A residential bipolar treatment center requires people to live in a facility full-time. They receive round-the-clock focused care that helps them learn to understand their disease. Medical and psychological support staff can provide assistance night and day, which proves important for those suffering intense symptoms. Once the person completes residential care, they often transition to some type of outpatient care.
Outpatient Bipolar Treatment
An outpatient bipolar treatment center provides similar assistance to that which residential ones offer. This includes multiple types of therapeutic options and access to any needed medications. The difference lies in the fact that the individual does not need to live in a facility while receiving treatment. Outpatient programs allow a person to live in their own homes and travel to a facility for the sessions they need. This allows them to receive structured care while still having time to tend to personal, family, and career responsibilities.
Does Insurance Cover Bipolar Treatment?
Many people are surprised to find out that insurance often covers mental health costs, including bipolar treatment. They should start by contacting their insurance company and finding out exactly what they cover. Almost all insurance companies understand that mental illness is comparable to physical illness, and they provide coverage for a variety of treatment approaches. The same principle applies to care needed for substance use disorders.
If You are in need of immediate assistance...
Don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. In the case of a medical emergency please contact 911 or visit your local emergency department.
Find Healing at Our Bipolar Treatment Center in Nashville
If you or someone you love has either been diagnosed with or is showing symptoms of bipolar disorder, it’s important to seek specialized treatment from a bipolar treatment center. At Arbor Wellness in Nashville, our compassionate and experienced specialists work with each client to develop an individualized treatment plan to help them manage their bipolar disorder. Visit our admissions page now and get started on enjoying improved mental health.
Reach out to us today at 615-246-7275 to get on the path to recovery.
More on Bipolar Disorder
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