Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Bipolar disorder treatment can reduce the severity and amount of depressive or manic episodes a person experiences. People with bipolar disorder will need to receive lifelong treatment. By following their prescribed treatment plan, patients can improve their quality of life and live as normally as possible.

Florida Psychiatric Associates provides bipolar disorder treatment in Altamonte Springs and the surrounding area. Our team can help you manage and gain control over your symptoms. Call us today at 407-960-5633 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that causes people to have unusual shifts in mood, concentration, and energy. It can impact a person’s ability to lead normal and productive lives. This condition can cause extreme mood swings such as extreme highs and lows. There are three types of bipolar disorder:

• Bipolar I disorder
• Bipolar II disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder.

People with bipolar I disorder experience manic episodes that last for at least one week or depressive episodes that last at least two weeks. Bipolar II disorders also cause people to experience patterns of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but not the extreme manic episodes of bipolar II disorder. People with cyclothymic disorder have periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years but do not meet all the diagnostic requirements.

Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes people to experience periods of unusually intense emotion and uncharacteristic behaviors. These periods are known as mood episodes, which differ from a person’s typical moods and behaviors. People with bipolar disorder can experience manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes. Any of these episodes can cause issues for people during their daily lives at work, school, social interactions, and in relationships with others.

A manic episode lasts for about a week or longer and is more severe than a hypomanic episode, typically lasting for a few days. People experiencing a hypomanic episode may feel euphoric, excited, or irritable; becoming more active and less inhibited. The symptoms of mania are the same as for hypomania but are more intense and last longer. In severe cases, people experiencing mania may have a break from reality that requires hospitalization. People with a major depressive episode experience symptoms that last at least two weeks, such as feeling sad and hopeless, losing interest in activities, insomnia, fatigue, and an inability to concentrate.

Psychotreatment Treatment Options

One form of bipolar disorder treatment is psychotreatment or talk treatment to help patients recognize patterns of the onset of bipolar symptoms and effectively manage stress. During treatment, patients can discuss the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors preventing them from functioning well and receive guidance to stay on their medication. Talk treatment can also help people who experience major depressive episodes due to bipolar disorder combat feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt and maintain a healthy self-image.

There are various types of psychotreatment we can consider using, that will depend on a patient’s needs and preferences. Some types of psychotreatment to treat bipolar disorder may include cognitive-behavioral treatment or family-focused treatment. Cognitive-behavioral treatment helps patients recognize and reverse negative thoughts and behaviors and teaches them healthy ways to cope. Family-focused treatment helps people with bipolar disorder and their families better understand the condition to improve relationships and prevent relapses.

Medications for Treating Bipolar Disorder

Medications can also help people with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms. Different types of bipolar disorder may respond better to a particular type of medication. It may take time for patients to find the medication that works best for them.

Common medications used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Mood stabilizers such as lithium can prevent patients from experiencing full episodes of mania or depression that last for days or weeks. Antipsychotics can control the symptoms associated with an acute manic episode or severe depression and prevent future episodes from occurring. Patients may take antipsychotics on their own or in conjunction with a mood-stabilizing drug.

The Treatment Process

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment to manage symptoms and prevent them from recurring. Receiving the right diagnosis and treatment plan is crucial since symptoms will worsen over time. According to the National Health Service (NHS), without treatment, people with bipolar disorder can have manic episodes that last between three to six months or episodes of depression that last between six to 12 months.

Most patients with bipolar disorder can receive a combination of treatments to treat their condition and regain control over their lives. With the right treatment, patients can usually experience symptom improvement within three months. Patients who take medications in addition to psychotreatment intervention can benefit from a quicker recovery period that they can also maintain.

Call Us Today

If you have bipolar disorder, our team at Florida Psychiatric Associates can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Do not hesitate to seek professional help. Call us today at 407-960-5633 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risk factors for bipolar disorder?

Multiple risk factors can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder. They can also play a role as a trigger for a person’s first manic or depressive episode. Possible risk factors may include having a family history, high-stress events, or substance abuse.

Are there any side effects of taking medication to treat bipolar disorder?

Like any medication, bipolar medications have some side effects. Patients can experience different side effects depending on the type of medication prescribed. Side effects may include weight gain, metabolic dysregulation, akathisia, and sedation. Our team closely monitors patients to ensure they remain safe throughout treatment.

Is there any way to prevent bipolar disorder?

No. There is no specific way to prevent bipolar disorder since the exact cause of this disorder is unknown. However, people with bipolar disorder can benefit greatly from early intervention and continued treatment to reduce manic or depressive episodes.

What causes bipolar disorder?

The cause of bipolar disorders is known yet known. However, research shows that various factors may work together to make a person more likely to develop this disorder. A mix of physical, social, and environmental factors may play a role. For example, chemical brain imbalances, genetics, and stressful situations may trigger bipolar symptoms.

What is the best medication to manage bipolar disorder?

There is no best medication to manage bipolar disorder symptoms. There are specific drugs to treat manic highs and depressive lows. Patients may take one medication or multiple at a time. Our team works with patients to decide on a medication plan that works best for them.

Request an appointment here: Call Florida Psychiatric Associates at (407) 960-5633 for an appointment in our Altamonte Springs office.

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