Bipolar Treatment in Orange County, CA

• Feeling overly happy or elated
• Having lots of energy and being able to go without sleep for long periods of time
• Talking very fast and jumping from one idea to the next
• Being easily distracted
• Being impulsive and engaging in risky behaviors, such as spending sprees, excessive gambling, or promiscuous sex

• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy levels
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Appetite changes and weight

This condition is defined by manic episodes that last at least seven days (or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care). Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks. Episodes of mania and depression often follow a predictable pattern.

This condition is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of bipolar I disorder.

This condition is defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose because it can look similar to other mental disorders, such as major depressive disorder or schizophrenia. The other specified bipolar and related disorder category is used when a clinician chooses to give a diagnosis when the full criteria are not met for any specific bipolar disorder, but there is still evidence of bipolar disorder.

The clinician must provide a reason why the diagnosis is being made. Unspecified bipolar and related disorders are diagnosed when there is evidence of bipolar disorder, but the clinician does not have enough information to make a more specific diagnosis.

A diagnosis of bipolar I disorder is made if an individual has had at least one manic episode in their lifetime. A diagnosis of bipolar II disorder is made if an individual has had at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode in their lifetime.

It is estimated that 2.6% of American adults (aged 18 or older) will experience bipolar I disorder in their lifetime, while 0.4% of American adults will experience bipolar II disorder.

Treatment for bipolar disorder typically involves a combination of medication management and psychotherapy. Medications used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Psychotherapy treatments for bipolar disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and family-focused therapy.

If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, there are many treatment options available. Contact a mental health professional to discuss which treatment plan may be right for you.

• Mood Stabilizers: These are often the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder.
• Atypical Antipsychotics: These are often used in conjunction with mood stabilizers or are used when other medications haven’t worked.
• Antidepressants: These can help manage depressive episodes, but they’re typically used in conjunction with a mood stabilizer to prevent triggering a manic episode. Examples include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Antidepressant-Antipsychotic: The medication Symbyax combines the antidepressant fluoxetine and the antipsychotic olanzapine and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.
• Benzodiazepines: These are anti-anxiety medications that can help with anxiety and improve sleep. They are usually used on a short-term basis.

Remember, medication is typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for the best treatment options.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, plays a crucial role in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It provides support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families.

Psychotherapy can help patients understand the nature of their illness, its triggers, and its effects. This understanding can help them manage symptoms and reduce the severity of manic and depressive episodes. Psychotherapy can provide strategies for managing stress, which can often trigger bipolar episodes. Techniques might include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used for patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder who have not responded to other treatments. It involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.

ECT often works when other treatments are unsuccessful and has the quickest response time compared to antidepressants or psychotherapy. This makes it especially valuable for those at immediate risk of harming themselves or others. ECT can be an effective treatment for severe manic or depressive episodes, particularly when psychosis is present or when medication cannot be used due to pregnancy, high suicide risk, or other medical conditions.

CBT is widely used and well-researched for treating a variety of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. It involves restructuring thoughts to change behaviors and emotions. This type of therapy can help individuals with bipolar disorder identify harmful thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones, which can help manage symptoms.

The best form of therapy will depend on the individual’s specific symptoms, co-occurring disorders, personal preferences, and current life circumstances. It’s important to work closely with a mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder