Bipolar disorder is a mental health concern that can greatly impact a person’s mood, energy level and ability to stay focused. It is much more than the period of emotional highs and lows many of us experience.
Most people who have bipolar disorder experience manic (energized, elated or irritable), hypomanic (less severe) or major depressive episodes.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists the three most common forms of bipolar disorder, which are categorized by the type of episode you typically experience. They are:
- Bipolar I disorder: Featuring at least one manic episode that lasts for seven days or more
- Bipolar II disorder: Having at least one hypomanic and one major depressive episode but not a full manic episode
- Cyclothymic disorder: Experiencing both hypomanic and depressive symptoms for two years or more without a full manic, hypomanic or major depressive episode
Bipolar disorder can be greatly disruptive to any person who is living with it. Sierra at Southlake provides comprehensive, evidence-based outpatient bipolar disorder treatment for adults age 18 and older who want to improve their outcomes.
Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The best way to understand the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is to separate those that occur with manic or hypomanic episodes from those that tend to occur with major depressive episodes.
In manic and hypomanic episodes, bipolar disorder signs and symptoms include:
- Racing thoughts
- Lack of need for sleep
- Excessive energy level
- Feelings of invincibility
- Greater self-esteem
- Bouncing from one topic to another in conversation
- Rapid speech patterns
- Considering reckless actions you usually wouldn’t take
In major depressive episodes, common symptoms include:
- Extreme sadness
- Subdued mood
- Inability to finish routine tasks
- Rapid weight loss or weight gain
- Difficulty staying focused
- Becoming increasingly isolated from loved ones
- Sudden changes in appetite
- Excessive need for sleep
Anyone who is exhibiting any of these bipolar disorder signs and symptoms should seek professional intervention. At our outpatient bipolar disorder treatment center, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive assessment to determine if Sierra at Southlake is the right choice for you.
Bipolar Disorder Causes & Risk Factors
Researchers haven’t identified a definitive cause of bipolar disorder. But according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), common bipolar disorder causes and risk factors include:
- Having an adult relative who has bipolar disorder
- Family history of schizophrenia or other mental illnesses
- Experiencing periods of excessive stress or a traumatic event
- Living in a higher-income nation
- Being divorced, separated or widowed
Bipolar Disorder Effects
When you don’t receive appropriate bipolar disorder treatment, you put yourself at risk for a variety of negative outcomes.
Common bipolar disorder effects include:
- Suicidal ideation
- Substance use and addiction
- Onset or worsening of other mental health conditions
- Financial struggles
- Social isolation
- Inability to maintain relationships with family or friends
- Chronic unemployment
- Injuries or illnesses related to reckless behavior
These outcomes are not guaranteed, and the earlier you pursue intervention at a qualified bipolar disorder treatment place, the better chance you’ll have of avoiding or halting some of these effects.
Bipolar Disorder Statistics
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), bipolar disorder affects men and women equally.
The following are some additional statistics to help understand the prevalence of bipolar disorder, courtesy of NAMI and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
- About 2.8% of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and 83% of those cases have been classified as severe.
- Approximately 4.4% of American adults will be diagnosed with bipolar disorder at some point in their lives.
- The median age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25, though the illness can start in early childhood and as late as a person’s 40s or 50s.
- More than two-thirds of people who have bipolar disorder have at least one close relative who struggles with either that or depression.
Therapies Used in Bipolar Disorder Treatment
At Sierra at Southlake, we will administer a thorough assessment prior to admission that will help us better understand your needs, strengths and goals during your time in outpatient bipolar disorder treatment.
This will allow us to create a personalized treatment plan that is unique to you. Once that is finalized, you’ll begin programming that will give you the best chance at the most optimal outcomes. Your bipolar disorder treatment plan may include:
- Group therapy
- Basic medical care
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Medication management services
The programming at our outpatient bipolar disorder treatment place will feature a number of evidence-based treatment modalities, such as:
- Emotion regulation
- Trauma-focused interventions
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Seeking Safety
- Internal family systems
- Motivational interviewing
What Are the Benefits of Bipolar Disorder Treatment?
One of the biggest benefits of bipolar disorder treatment is understanding that you are not alone in your struggles and your desire to live a more fulfilling life.
Bipolar disorder causes many people to feel an extreme sense of isolation. At our bipolar disorder treatment center, you’ll participate in programming with other clients who have had similar struggles. You can learn from each other and celebrate each other’s progress firsthand as you navigate the path to recovery.
You will also benefit from working with a staff of experienced professionals whose sole goal is to help you succeed. All our clinicians are well equipped to teach you the skills you need to manage your symptoms and experience lasting recovery.
How Do I Choose the Right Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center?
Arguably the most important aspect of any bipolar disorder treatment is finding a facility that emphasizes a personalized approach.
At Sierra at Southlake, we’ll make sure that the care you receive and the programming you participate in reflect your bipolar disorder treatment goals. You’ll receive outpatient bipolar disorder treatment that allows you to address the pain of your past and understand that you have hope for the future, all while giving you the time you need during the week to participate in daily living activities.
Even with that freedom, you’ll want to make sure that you find a bipolar disorder treatment place that allows you to focus solely on your health. We’ll provide that during your time in treatment, and we’ll also set you up for success once you leave Sierra at Southlake.
At the end of treatment, you’ll receive a detailed discharge plan that may include access to step-down services, community resources, support groups and other ongoing care initiatives. This will help you build on the progress you’ve made in the days, weeks and months to come.