What is Bipolar Disorder?
Formerly known as manic-depression, “bipolar disorder”, refers to a number of mental health conditions; according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), they’re defined by intense emotional states that impact a person’s mode, energy, and more.
However, these emotional swings shouldn’t be conflated with the regular changes in mood people experience. Bipolar episodes can last for days and severely affect a person’s ability to function. Not only that, but constant switches between mania and depression can strain one’s personal and professional relationships — highlighting the need for effective outpatient bipolar disorder treatment.
Sings of Bipolar Mania and Depression
People with bipolar disorder experience two distinct types of episodes: manic ones and depressive ones.
Manic Episodes
Manic episodes are typically marked by impulsive, energetic behaviors. One might indulge in risky activities, come across as hyper or irritable, or feel a reduced need to sleep.
Depressive Episodes
Depressive episodes are just that — extended periods of depression. During one, a person might struggle with a severe lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, and even suicidal ideation.
Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder
The APA splits bipolar disorder into three principal diagnoses:
- Bipolar I: This diagnosis is typified by manic episodes, with periods of neutral mood.
- Bipolar II: This diagnosis occurs when a person experiences both manic and depressive episodes. They might still return to a neutral mood between episodes.
- Cyclothymic disorder: This diagnosis is considered a milder form of bipolar disorder, where a person experiences frequent — but less severe — manic-depressive episodes.
A quality San Diego bipolar rehab program begins with a personal touch — one that guides your recovery from consultation to aftercare. Starting with your initial phone call, our team of experts will work with you to understand your goals for treatment. Once we do, we’ll craft an individualized treatment plan — using both evidence-based mood disorder therapies and holistic bipolar management techniques — that helps you achieve them.
What’s more: Our San Diego outpatient mental health center gives you the chance to implement the skills you’ve learned in real-life scenarios. As you progress through treatment and build up your toolbox, you’ll continue working, studying, and taking care of household responsibilities. And Apex Recovery will always have your back, offering continuous clinical and psychiatric oversight.
“Are my mood swings a sign of bipolar disorder?”
Give our team a call: We’ll help you determine if you need outpatient psychiatric care in San Diego, with no judgement or commitment.
How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect a Person?
There’s no cut-and-dry version of bipolar disorder. Harvard Health writes that the time between manic-depressive episodes — and even the lengths of the episodes themselves — can vary from person-to-person, further underscoring the need for steady, patient-centric care. If you seek San Diego mood stabilization therapy with us, we promise to work with you until you meet every last milestone set out in your personalized care plan.
Personally
Bipolar disorder in all its forms wreaks havoc on interpersonal relationships. However, it also leads to feelings of confusion, guilt, and shame. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes how some people can experience symptom-related stigma, preventing them from getting the hypomania and manic episode treatment they desperately need.
Medically
Depending on the type of episode, bipolar disorder can also have several medical consequences. Both mania and depression can ruin a patient’s sleep schedule, suppressing their immune system. And during the former, a person might engage in reckless behaviors — everything from drug abuse to risky sex — that can lead to emergencies of their own.
What Others are Saying About Apex Recovery
Seeking help can feel scary — but for these folks, it made a world of difference. Thinking of doing the same? Hear their experiences at our San Diego bipolar disorder treatment center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bipolar Disorder
While major depressive disorder is characterized by long, “low” states, bipolar disorder — especially bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder — alternates between depression and mania.
Not necessarily — but it does help. Medications like mood stabilizers and antidepressants have been proven to reduce bipolar symptoms: One study cited by Harvard Health found that patients undergoing lithium treatment experienced 1.5 weeks a year of “severe” illness, while those who stopped saw that number rise to an average of 13 weeks a year.
Our care team exclusively utilizes evidence-based treatments, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for bipolar disorder. As you work with us, you’ll start picking up techniques that can help ground you before and during manic-depressive episodes. And as always, we’re a call away if you need more immediate assistance.
Find Dual Diagnosis Bipolar Care in San Diego
With a tap of a button, you’ll connect with a trained clinician for a judgment-free consultation. Together, we’ll find out if our care center is right for you.
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