Bipolar disorder was formerly referred to as manic-depressive disorder or manic depression.
It is currently listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic mental health illness. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by sudden and severe episodic mood swings from emotional highs (manias) to emotional lows (depressions) with intervals of stable moods. An individual with a bipolar diagnosis will experience debilitating episodes that are all-consuming and uncontrollable. Medical News Today explains that the symptoms of bipolar disorder can affect a person’s energy levels, activity, social network, financial situation, sleep, behaviors, judgment, and family life. The duration of an episode will vary and can last from days to weeks long. To be properly treated for a bipolar disorder, an individual must be thoroughly evaluated and accurately diagnosed.
Treatment Options
Although bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition there are effective treatment options available. According to the National Advisory Mental Health Council, the treatment success rate for bipolar disorder is nearly eighty percent. Some individuals that experience severe symptoms will require inpatient, intensive care, while other may never need emergency care or hospitalization. Depending on the needs of the individual there are myriad mental health treatment facilities offering an array of distinct services. Some facilities will offer treatment in an inpatient setting, where participants are required to reside in the facility for the duration of the program, while others will provide treatment in an outpatient setting. Outpatient treatment does not include a residential component, rather participants are expected to attend a certain number of program hours, daily. Outpatient programs allows flexibility for people who have outside commitments and certain time constraints, while also providing the individual with a supportive and productive treatment program.
Regardless of the treatment facility format, a customized treatment plan will be developed that is specific to everyone to ensure all nuanced recovery needs are met. Often treatment plans for bipolar disorder include a combination of psychotherapy and medication, and they are not mutually exclusive. Different types of psychotherapy that are frequently integrated into treatment plans for individuals with bipolar disorder could include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), expressive arts therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and more. The various types of medications prescribed for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressant-antipsychotic medications. Treatment for bipolar disorder will help an individual learn strategies, techniques, and tools to effectively manage the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, reducing the severity of symptoms experienced and increasing one’s quality of life.
Further Information and Support
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. At Upwell Advisors, we offer unique, customized concierge therapeutic services to provide our clients with unparalleled support throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we might best be able to help you or your loved one in the recovery process. Feel free to reach out by phone at 917-475-6775. You are also welcomed to contact us anytime via email at [email protected] We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
