Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder, sometimes referred to as "Manic Depressive Disorder" is a debilitating illness that includes major shifts in mood and behavior. There are 2 categories of the disorder: Bipolar I and Bipolar II. The first includes the symptoms of Mania, and may or may not include episodes of Depression. The second type includes recurrent bouts of Depression with episodes of Hypomania, which is a period of unusually elevated mood or irritability that lasts at least 4 days.

The specific patterns of symptoms in Bipolar Disorder can be confusing, but all of them include shifts in mood and behavior that last at least 4-7 days (not a matter of hours), and include significant interference with one's normal life.

Bipolar Disorder can be difficult to diagnose, as it shares many symptoms with several other disorders, and can often accompany multiple mental health concerns. A thorough and comprehensive evaluation by a trained mental health professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Bipolar Disorder Counseling

What causes Bipolar Disorder?
Several factors combine to cause Bipolar Disorder. Genetics seem to play a large role in this disorder. People who inherit the predisposition to the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder are vulnerable to unusually strong shifts in mood and behavior as a result of stress, life circumstances or even brain chemistry.

How is Bipolar Disorder treated?
Bipolar Disorder is usually treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy. During severe episodes of Depression or Mania, more intensive treatment may be required such as hospitalization or intensive therapy programs. At Meridian Behavioral Health, we tend to use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT when working with this disorder, and work to coordinate therapy with the medication decisions made by the patient's medical doctor. Good communication between the mental health professionals involved in various aspects of care often make a huge difference in the long term outcome of treatment efforts.

Bipolar Disorder Counselor

How do I get started?
The best place to start is to participate in an evaluation by a mental health professional. They can help diagnose Bipolar Disorder, recommend a specific intervention (therapy, medications, or both), and answer questions about the process.

If you have questions, and would like to speak to one of our mental health professionals, call or email today.