Bipolar Disorder Treatment Center

At Awakenings Treatment Center, bipolar disorders are addressed with a multi-faceted treatment approach.

Medication management with a board-certified psychiatrist, psycho-education, skills training, and support with daily living tasks are paramount. In addition, individual and group therapies are also a core aspect of effective, successful treatment, as well as cutting-edge neuroscientific treatments.

Bipolar disorders are brain disorders that cause unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks.

There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

  • Bipolar I Disorder—defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depression and manic symptoms simultaneously) are also possible.
  • Bipolar II Disorder—defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described above
  • Cyclothymic Disorder (also called cyclothymia)—defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms, as well as numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
  • Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders—defined by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match the three categories listed above.

Medication management and compliance are critical for successful bipolar disorder treatment.

Finding the right medication or combination of drugs to manage bipolar disorder can be a challenging and frustrating process. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that approximately 3% of adults in the United States have bipolar disorder. Doctors often find bipolar disorder challenging to treat, because everyone responds differently to medications.

Many people with bipolar will try several medications before they find one that works for them. Some people will also need to take more than one class of drug to manage their symptoms.

There are different classes of drugs, and each of these contains several medications that can safely and effectively treat bipolar disorders.

These include:

  • Mood Stabilizers
  • Anti-convulsants
  • Anti-psychotics
  • Anti-anxiety medications

If you or a loved one is struggling with any of the symptoms listed above, call the Awakenings Bipolar Treatment Center program today for a free consultation and to discuss treatment options.