Bipolar Therapy Services
What is Bipolar Disorder?
We all experience our own share of mood shifts, often determined by circumstances around us but sometimes for no reason at all. With a wide range of human emotion, this is to be expected. When those mood changes are drastic, intense and disruptive, though, something more serious may be at play. Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that features periods of heightened moods that include feeling and acting extremely “up” or extremely “down,” creating disruption to daily life. These changes in mood can wreak havoc on energy, focus, motivation, relationships and overall functioning. These mood changes are more commonly known as:
- Mania: Looking at Bipolar Disorder as a peak and valley system, mania is what would be considered the peak, the high end of the mood spectrum. Mania can vary in severity, but features an intensely elevated mood highlighted by unpredictability, impulsivity and recklessness. While feeling high on the “up” side of the emotional range may seem like a positive thing, that is not the case when it comes to mania, with people often exhibiting irritability and partaking in high-risk behaviors, like promiscuity, impulsive spending, fast driving and more.
- Depression: The valley of Bipolar Disorder is known as a depressive episode, where a person suffers from intense sadness, despair, guilt and a lack of motivation. These negative feelings last for weeks or longer, bringing feelings of failure, helplessness and often thoughts of suicide.
The exact cause of Bipolar Disorder is unknown, but studies show that a genetic correlation may exist, with Bipolar often being found in multiple family members.
Source: American Psychiatric Association / National Alliance on Mental Illness
What are the Different Types of Bipolar Disorders?
- Bipolar I: Bipolar I may be diagnosed when an individual experiences one or more manic episodes lasting at least seven days. While depression is likely also experienced, it’s not a necessary component for diagnosis if severe mania is present.
- Bipolar II: Those with Bipolar II experience shifts between depression, hypomania (a less severe manic episode) and typical baseline functioning. With Bipolar II, manic episodes are mild, making it difficult at times to recognize. Bipolar II commonly occurs alongside other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or substance abuse.
- Cyclothymia: A less severe form of Bipolar Disorder is known as Cyclothymic Disorder. This features an extended period of frequently occurring mood swings, shifting from depression to hypomania but with milder symptoms.
Everyone has mood changes from time to time, but when they occur more often than not or become so severe your life revolves around them, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation to determine if you could be suffering from Bipolar Disorder. Sillon Wellness offers a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation that can help determine if our therapy services are right for you.
Source: American Psychiatric Association / National Alliance on Mental Illness
What are Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder symptoms vary depending on the type and the individual. One thing each type has in common is shifts between depression and mania.
Manic Episode Symptoms:
- Lasts at least one week
- Decreased need for sleep
- Rapid Speech
- Racing thoughts
- Lack of focus
- Impulsive or risky behavior
- Restlessness
- Increased energy
- Feelings of grandiosity
- Highly elevated mood / feelings of euphoria
- Irritability
- Psychosis
Depressive Episode Symptoms:
- Lasts at least two weeks
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep)
- Appetite disturbances (increased or decreased)
- Feelings of guilt
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Lack of focus
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you have found that you shift between extreme highs and lows when it comes to your mood, it’s important to reach out. Untreated, Bipolar Disorder can worsen over time, impacting every aspect of your life. A professional evaluation will help determine if you suffer from Bipolar Disorder so you can start down the path of a more peaceful life.
Source: American Psychiatric Association
How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Bipolar Disorders are diagnosed through a series of comprehensive evaluations conducted by a trained specialist. Depending on specific symptoms, it may be suggested to visit a general physician for a medical health screening to rule out underlying health conditions that can cause symptoms, such as hyperthyroidism, vitamin deficiencies or neurological disorders.
With medical causes ruled out,a mental health professional like those at Sillon Wellness can evaluate and diagnose Bipolar Disorder, comparing symptoms to the criteria of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Often, both medical and mental health professionals are involved in both diagnosis and treatment to coordinate the most healthy and effective path toward recovery. To match with a therapist best suited for you, reach out to Sillon for a free 15-minute phone consultation. The comprehensive evaluation will include a combination of:
- Detailed Psychiatric Evaluation
- Questionnaires
- Family History
- Symptom History
- Interviews with Family & Friends
- Mood Charting
Bipolar Disorders can share symptoms with – and coexist alongside – other mental health conditions, so seeking care from a trained professional is the best way to form a proper diagnosis that will guarantee the right treatment for you.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorders
Treatment for Bipolar Disorders can vary based on individual circumstances and the specific diagnosis, but typically include a combination of supports put into place for optimal success. At Sillon Wellness, we have a team of wonderful therapists who used evidence-based therapy to help combat Bipolar Disorder, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on changing automatic negative thoughts into more realistic ones through identifying and challenging those destructive thought patterns.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Emphasizes acceptance as a way to cope with negative feelings, thoughts, symptoms or circumstances while encouraging commitment to healthier, constructive activities. The goal of ACT is to reduce the struggle to control or avoid situations that are found to be upsetting, working towards acceptance versus avoidance.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT is a short-term form of therapy that focuses on the role of emotions when it comes to connection, understanding how bonds can be strengthened to promote a strong, supportive family unit. Engaging family members within treatment for Bipolar Disorder can help improve communication while understanding the disorder more clearly.
Treatment options for Bipolar Disorder also include:
- Medication – Mood Stabilizers, Antipsychotics, Antidepressants
- Education – Understanding the disorder is key to recognizing triggers and easing symptoms
- Lifestyle Changes – Sleep routines, relaxation techniques, avoiding drugs and alcohol
- Hospitalization – Severe symptoms of both mania and depression can require a stay in a hospital for safety. This may be a short term hospital visit or a hospital stay that transitions to intensive inpatient or outpatient programs.
It can take some trial and error to determine the best treatment for your specific circumstances. With a Sillon therapist by your side, you can feel confident that you have a compassionate support system to walk alongside you through the journey.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Texas
Bipolar Disorder is a serious condition that can severely impact the overall quality of life for those who suffer from it. If the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder sound familiar to you, please schedule an appointment with one of the on-staff therapists at Sillon Wellness. There’s no reason to battle this intense disorder on your own – we would love to help give you the tools you need to gain control of your emotions and life.
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