Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can affect aspects of life from your activity levels to your thought processes.
The condition is characterized by dramatic, unpredictable shifts in mood, known as episodes. Intense lows of depressive episodes and highs of manic and hypomanic episodes make navigating daily routines and responsibilities difficult, impacting your well-being.
Patients can get help managing their symptoms and working toward healing through inpatient treatment for bipolar disorder at Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast, in Moosic, Pa.
Understanding bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania and episodes of depression. While there are multiple variations, the three main types of bipolar disorder are:
- Bipolar I disorder: If you have this type, you have one manic episode that lasts for a week or longer. You may also have depressive episodes or a mix of manic and depressive symptoms.
- Bipolar II disorder: With bipolar II disorder, you don’t have full-blown manic episodes. Instead, you go through periods of hypomania, which are less intense but still defined by an elevated mood and increased energy. Depressive episodes usually follow these hypomanic episodes.
- Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): This is a milder form in which you can have recurring episodes of hypomania and mild depression that last for at least two years. The symptoms of cyclothymic disorder are less intense than those of bipolar I and II.
Bipolar disorder is complex. If you’re having these or different variations of symptoms, reach out to a behavioral health professional who can help you get an accurate diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
Episodes of bipolar disorder can last for days or weeks as symptoms persist. Your specific symptoms can vary depending on the type of bipolar disorder you have and other personal variables, such as age and risk factors.
Signs and symptoms of major depressive episodes can include:
- Feelings of despair and lack of optimism
- Intense and persistent exhaustion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased drive and motivation
- Difficulty expressing thoughts or ideas
- Inability to fulfill responsibilities and commitments
- Social withdrawal and feelings of isolation
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Excessive sleepiness or prolonged periods of sleep
- Significant fluctuations in appetite resulting in notable weight changes
- Contemplation of death or suicidal ideation
Signs and symptoms of manic or hypomanic episodes may include:
- Intense or heightened enthusiasm
- Inability to focus on one topic
- Dramatic increase in self-confidence
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Participation in impulsive or risky activities
- Heightened levels of energy
- Reduced need for sleep
- Accelerated speech patterns
- Restlessness
- Rapid flow of thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Delusional thinking
If you’re having symptoms of bipolar disorder, seek a diagnosis from a qualified professional. Finding help early is essential to avoid the worsening of symptoms over time — the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 83% of those with bipolar disorder have severe cases. On average, the onset of bipolar disorder symptoms happens around age 25.
Potential effects of bipolar disorder
Because bipolar disorder can have a range of negative consequences, it’s crucial to seek help. Getting treatment for bipolar disorder can help you avoid:
- Emotional instability: Significant mood swings can lead to volatile emotions.
- Impaired functioning: Feelings of hopelessness, low energy, difficulty concentrating and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities (during depressive episodes) and impulsivity, racing thoughts, increased energy and decreased need for sleep (during manic or hypomanic episodes) can impact personal relationships and productivity.
- Disrupted relationships: Unpredictable, intense mood swings can lead to conflicts, misunderstandings and emotional distance.
- Occupational challenges: Fluctuating energy levels, difficulty concentrating and mood instability can make it hard to fulfill job responsibilities or excel in academic settings.
- Financial consequences: Impulsive spending or difficulty maintaining consistent employment can result in financial instability.
- Increased risk for substance abuse: A co-occurring substance use disorder can further worsen symptoms.
- Higher risk for suicide: Intense feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of self-harm mean it’s crucial to seek professional help.
The effects of bipolar disorder vary from person to person — but effective treatment can significantly reduce the negative impacts and improve your quality of life.
Therapies used in bipolar disorder treatment
Multiple therapies can be used to treat bipolar disorder and promote overall well-being. Treatments can include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. CBT can help you develop coping skills, manage stress and improve problem-solving abilities. It also addresses depressive and manic symptoms of bipolar disorder.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT can improve emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness skills. It can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage intense emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors. By learning to identify and modify thinking and behavior patterns, you can gain more control of your mood swings and improve your overall functioning.
- Group therapy: Patients come together in a supportive and structured meeting led by a mental health professional. Group therapy can cover various topics related to bipolar disorder, such as symptom management and coping strategies. It also lets you practice interpersonal skills and receive feedback from others who can relate.
- Creative arts therapies: Creative arts therapies, including art therapy, music therapy and dance therapy, promote emotional healing, self-discovery and self-expression.
- Motivational interviewing: This is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that helps you explore and resolve your ambivalence toward behavior change. It’s particularly helpful in addressing lifestyle modifications and treatment engagement. Motivational interviewing involves active listening, empathy and open-ended questions to strengthen your motivation to make positive changes.
Your bipolar disorder treatment is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Therapies may vary based on your symptom severity, treatment goals and your response to different approaches. A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or therapist, can determine the best combination for you.
Receiving care at our bipolar disorder inpatient treatment center
You’ll receive exceptional bipolar disorder inpatient treatment at Geisinger Behavioral Health, including a comprehensive daily schedule tailored to your age and specific needs.
Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Group therapy, offered three times per day
- Individual therapy, available as needed
- Motivational interviewing
- Creative arts therapies
- Medication management
Besides therapy, you can expect our state-of-the-art facility to offer:
- Efficient admissions: At Geisinger, you can be assessed anytime, 24/7.
- Multidisciplinary treatment staff: Psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurses and other professionals collaborate closely to offer you the best possible care.
- Co-occurring disorder treatment: If you’re having symptoms of more than one mental health or substance use disorder, we can help.
- Intensive care: At our inpatient treatment center, you’ll find the focused care you need to heal.
- Safe, comfortable setting: With peaceful views of Montage Mountain, our facility offers access to outdoor spaces and designated group and individual therapy areas.
- After-care planning: Ongoing support is key in healing. Before you’re discharged, we’ll work closely with you to develop an after-care plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Your success is our goal — and we’ll support you every step of the way. Find the help you need for bipolar disorder at Geisinger Behavioral Health.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast.