Bipolar disorder consists of much more than the periods of highs and lows many people go through on a regular basis. It’s a mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, energy level, and ability to think clearly.
Most people who have this disorder have manic, hypomanic, or major depressive episodes. There are three common forms of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I disorder: Manic episodes that last for at least seven days or manic symptoms that require a person to enter hospital care
- Bipolar II disorder: Depressive and hypomanic episodes without full manic episodes
- Cyclothymic disorder: Periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years
At CenterPointe Hospital in St. Charles, Missouri, we offer personalized bipolar disorder treatment for adolescents, adults, and senior adults. With inpatient and outpatient options, we can help you manage your symptoms, understand your diagnosis, and work toward true healing.
Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves more than routine emotional swings. It can also greatly affect your sleep patterns, energy levels, and interest in activities.
The easiest way to understand the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is to separate those that are associated with manic or hypomanic episodes from those most often linked to major depressive episodes.
The more frequent symptoms of manic and hypomanic episodes are:
- Feeling invincible
- Heightened level of confidence
- Increased self-esteem
- Rapid speech patterns
- Abnormal energy levels
- Racing thoughts
- Tendency to pursue reckless activities
- Inability to stay focused on one topic during conversation
Common symptoms of major depressive episodes include:
- Extreme sadness
- Subdued mood
- Difficulty finishing simple tasks
- Emotional distance from friends and family
- Frequent need for large amounts of sleep
- Appetite that fluctuates greatly
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
If you find yourself exhibiting some of these bipolar disorder signs and symptoms, it may be time to seek help. By receiving professional intervention at a bipolar disorder treatment place, you can make great strides toward a positive outcome.
Bipolar Disorder Statistics
In adults, bipolar disorder affects men and women equally. Here are some more detailed bipolar disorder statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
- Approximately 4.4% of U.S. adults will suffer from bipolar disorder at some point in their lives, according to NIMH.
- NIMH found that an estimated 2.9% of adolescents ages 13-18 struggled with bipolar disorder, with females (3.3%) more affected than males (2.6%).
- According to NAMI, 83% of bipolar disorder cases among adults are classified as severe.
- The average age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25, though it can begin to present in a person’s teenage or early childhood years.
- Around two-thirds of people who are living with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative who has bipolar disorder or depression.
Potential Effects of Bipolar Disorder
Because of the different types of bipolar disorder and the difference in episodes, there can be a significant variety of bipolar disorder effects. Some of the most common potential effects of untreated bipolar disorder are:
- Social withdrawal
- Financial difficulties
- Substance use or addiction
- Onset or worsening of other mental health conditions
- Trouble forming new relationships or maintaining existing ones
- Suicidal ideation
These bipolar disorder effects can be devastating, but receiving care at a qualified treatment center can be life-changing — and potentially lifesaving.
What Are the Benefits of Bipolar Disorder Treatment?
There are so many benefits to receiving bipolar disorder treatment. Because this diagnosis offers so many unknown elements, pursuing care can significantly boost your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Bipolar disorder leaves many people feeling very isolated. But at our bipolar disorder treatment place, you’ll participate in programming with others who are following similar paths. Having the opportunity to engage in therapeutic interventions with others can help you discover that you’re not alone as you work toward meaningful healing.
Other benefits of bipolar disorder treatment include the chance to:
- Solely focus on treatment without distractions
- Learn from and work with a team of behavioral health professionals
- Set goals and develop coping strategies you can carry with you after discharge
How Do I Choose the Right Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center?
If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, time is of the essence. You don’t want to waste your efforts pursuing care at a bipolar disorder treatment place that offers a one-size-fits-all approach.
One key element to look for is personalized treatment plans. At CenterPointe Hospital, we’ll walk you through a detailed assessment before admission that can help us learn more about your medical status, any previous treatment you may have received, and your needs and goals. From there, we’ll select only the therapies and interventions that may be the best fit for you.
Other essential elements include:
- Multiple levels of care
- A straightforward admissions process
- A multidisciplinary staff
- Aftercare plans that can keep you on the path to better health
CenterPointe Hospital’s bipolar disorder treatment programs include all these features and more.
Therapies Used in Bipolar Disorder Treatment
We will use the information from your pre-admission assessment to create your personalized bipolar disorder treatment plan. It may include:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Medication management services
- Basic medical care
- Support for a dual diagnosis
- Experiential therapies, including art, music, and yoga
Depending on your personalized care plan, bipolar disorder treatment may also incorporate the following evidence-based therapies:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
In addition to providing inpatient care at our St. Charles location, we also offer a variety of outpatient services at our main campus and additional locations in St. Louis, Missouri, and Maryville, Illinois.
A bipolar disorder diagnosis can be overwhelming. But by receiving care from the team of compassionate professionals at CenterPointe Hospital, you can begin to work toward the brighter future you so richly deserve.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at CenterPointe Hospital.
