If you or a loved one lives with bipolar disorder, you are likely familiar with the unpredictable, often severe mood swings that come with it. These dramatic highs and lows impact all areas of life. While bipolar disorder can negatively affect all areas of your life, treatment for bipolar disorder is available.
Effective bipolar disorder treatment combines medications with evidence-based therapies designed to address a client’s unique needs. Bipolar treatment at Harmony Hills mental health treatment center in Florida provides comprehensive treatment in a safe, supportive environment. Our highly skilled team takes the time to get to know you to develop a treatment plan that meets you where you are and will grow and change as you do. To learn more about our bipolar disorder treatment options, contact us at 855.494.0357 today.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder Can Help
People with bipolar disorder often go for years undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The complexity of the disease makes proper diagnosis difficult for several reasons:
- First, people can go for long periods without experiencing a manic or depressive episode. During these times, they appear and feel as though nothing is wrong.
- Second, people often only reach out for help when experiencing a depressive episode, so they get misdiagnosed with depression.
- Thirdly, many people cannot recognize a manic episode for what it is and often feel relieved that they are no longer depressed. Finally, a significant number of people never reach out for help.
The first step in bipolar disorder treatment, following proper diagnosis, is to stabilize symptoms. People with bipolar often have co-occurring substance use disorders, in which case detoxing is part of the stabilization process. Therapy is a critical component of bipolar disorder treatment. The following are three frequently used therapeutic techniques:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT is effective in individual and group sessions. CBT focuses on the relationship between a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through CBT, clients learn to identify negative beliefs and assumptions and challenge themselves to find more adaptive ways of thinking.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – DBT also works well in individual and group therapy. It teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT teaches mindfulness and acceptance skills.
- Family-focused therapy (FFT) – FFT first focuses on education, including symptoms, causes, triggers, and recognizing early warning signs. Later sessions focus on communication, problem-solving skills, and healing family conflict.
Recognizing Different Types of Bipolar Disorder
Not only does bipolar disorder present differently in different people, but there are also different types of bipolar disorder. Further, bipolar symptoms can vary within the same person, making it difficult for individuals with bipolar disorder and their friends and family to understand and recognize it. There are three main types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I – Recognized as the most severe form of bipolar, bipolar I is characterized by alternating periods of mania and depression. When symptoms co-occur, it is called a mixed episode. Hospitalization is often required.
- Bipolar II – Considered more common, bipolar II consists of a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. Depressive episodes are more powerful and usually last for more extended periods.
- Cyclothymic disorder – Marked by periods of hypomanic and depressive episodes that last for more than two years, but the episodes do not meet diagnostic requirements.
Find Relief with Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Harmony Hills
Treatment for bipolar disorder can benefit you or your loved one. Harmony Hills is among the top-rated facilities for bipolar disorder treatment. Our treatment team has extensive experience treating an array of mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder. We work closely with our clients to develop a treatment plan best suited to their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. Get the help you need today. Reach out to us online or call 855.494.0357.