Mood swings and racing thoughts do not always mean you have a mental disorder. Understanding Bipolar Disorder is essential to the diagnosis and effective treatment of the disorder. Keep reading for an in-depth understanding of Bipolar Disorder, its signs and symptoms, causes as well as treatment options offered by luxury facilities such as Elevation Behavioral Health.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition with two primary types: Bipolar I and Bipolar II.
- Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or by manic symptoms so severe they necessitate immediate hospital care; depressive episodes also occur, usually lasting for a minimum of two weeks.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by depressive episodes alternating with hypomanic episodes–which are less intense than those seen in people who have the first type of the disease.
The Numbers Speak: Current Statistics
Understanding how common something like bipolar disorder is can help us realize just how much attention it deserves:
- In any given year, about 2.8 percent of adults in the United States, or 5 million individuals, have had bipolar disorder, according to NIMH statistics.
- On average, Bipolar Disorder starts before 25 years old, but some cases begin during teenage years or even childhood.
- It’s been estimated that nearly 4.4 percent of American adults will experience some form of bipolar illness at one point in their lives.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Different symptoms categorize bipolar disorder into manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes.
- Manic and Hypomanic Symptoms
- Increased energy or activity
- Euphoric or irritable mood
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts or flight of ideas
- Impulsive or reckless behavior
- Loss of interest in most activities
- Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or gain
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors may cause bipolar disorder, although the exact reason behind its occurrence is still unknown. The condition is influenced by:
- Genetic Factors: A family history of bipolar disorder increases the chances of having it.
- Biological Differences: Brain structure and chemistry may contribute to this ailment.
- Environmental Factors: Stressful life events such as trauma or substance abuse can act as triggers for the onset and worsening of symptoms.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
Diagnosis is done through a comprehensive assessment conducted by mental health experts, which includes:
- Clinical Interviews: These are discussions about one’s symptoms, family background, and medical past.
- Mood Charting: This helps find mood patterns over time.
- Physical Examination: Laboratory tests are used to rule out any other medical conditions that might have similar signs to bipolar disorder, like thyroid problems.
Treatment Options: Elevation Behavioral Health’s Approach
Treatment for bipolar disorder is multifaceted, usually requiring a combination of medication therapy coupled with psychotherapy sessions.
Elevation Behavioral Health takes an all-inclusive approach focusing on deep change through a 90-day transformative journey between residential care and a virtual outpatient setting.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Neurofeedback Therapy
This advanced form of treatment involves monitoring brainwave activity to teach self-regulation skills that help enhance mental clarity and emotional balance.
Mindfulness Meditation & Yoga
Integrating mindfulness with yoga helps clients manage stress, improve focus, and foster inner peace.
Nutritional Counseling
A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. That’s why we offer nutritional counseling, which ensures that our clients receive personalized diet plans that support overall wellness.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
This is an approved treatment option for individuals who have experienced traumatic events in the past. The primary aim of EMDR is to help process distressing memories.
Brain Spotting
Brain spotting identifies, processes and releases core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, and other challenging symptoms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a skills-based approach that teaches individuals how to cope with stressors more effectively, manage their emotions better and develop stronger interpersonal connections.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be helpful for clients who want to learn how to recognize negative patterns in thinking that lead them toward certain behaviors or feelings.
Once those are identified, replacements should be implemented so as not to continue down this path again.
Group & Family Therapy
Family sessions provide support, improve communication among family members, and create a safe environment for long-term recovery.
Group therapy also helps foster supportive relationships with others who understand the challenges faced during addiction treatment.
On Staff Psychiatrist
Our on-staff psychiatrist ensures complete psychiatric care, including medication management alongside individualized plans explicitly tailored to each person’s needs.
Embark on a Journey Toward Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Understanding bipolar disorder is the first step towards effective management and living a fulfilling life.
At Elevation Behavioral Health, we offer a luxurious, transformative 90-day journey through our residential and outpatient virtual care programs.
Reach out to Elevation Behavioral Health and take the first step on this transformative journey!
