What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of mood swings. When someone is in a high period, they are experiencing mania, and when it shifts to low periods or depression, they will feel sad. The symptoms associated with bipolar disorder become apparent during young adulthood—between 15 and 24.
Some people diagnosed with bipolar disorder will experience mood swings several times a year, while others will rarely have an episode. However, bipolar disorder treatment is essential to supporting people so that they can understand their mental health disorder and make decisions that will support their lives.
Four Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are four distinct types of bipolar disorder that people can experience. They include:
- Bipolar I is characterized by someone having manic episodes when they are either mentally stable or depressed. A mental health professional will diagnose someone with bipolar I if they experience mania for one week or need hospitalization.
- Bipolar II is defined by cycles of depression. Also known as hypomania, a person will be in a state of happiness, agitation, or irritability. If a person experiences one hypomanic episode, they can be diagnosed with bipolar II by a mental health professional.
- Cyclothymic disorder is identified by a person who appears mentally stable but, at times, will experience cycles of mania and depression. The symptoms of cyclothymic disorder are not as severe as bipolar I or II. However, if symptoms exist for at least eight weeks, a diagnosis will be given.
- Bipolar 4 is often associated with another medical condition or substance use disorder. With bipolar 4, a person will experience mood swings but will not possess signs associated with other types of bipolar disorder.
Your specific treatment plan will be tailored to your diagnosis.
Benefits of Bipolar Disorder Therapy
If you are experiencing severe mood swings, you need support to help you navigate the presence of a mental health disorder. Therefore, there are many benefits to receiving bipolar disorder treatment. Here are a few:
- When you begin treatment, you will receive a diagnosis and specific support for the type of bipolar disorder you possess.
- A treatment team of medical and mental health professionals will be created to assist you in processing this lifelong condition. This will help you to avoid missing important maintenance treatments and mood swings.
- Therapy support groups will help you understand that you are not alone.
- Psychotherapy helps you manage the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.
- Extended treatment, such as hospitalization, is available if your mood swings are so severe that you have psychotic episodes or are suicidal.
Every step of the way, you’ll have the support of our experienced team.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment Program at Greater Boston Behavioral Health
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