Bipolar Disorder Treatment

When you receive a diagnosis for bipolar disorder, you may experience two things that have been missing from your life for years: belief you can heal and hope for the future.

Why is this so common for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Here’s well-documented fact about that explains why people with bipolar disorder get frustrated with treatment:

The time between the onset of symptoms – i.e. when they first appear – and an accurate diagnosis is often five years or longer.

You may receive a diagnosis for major depressive disorder (MDD), an anxiety disorder such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or another mental health disorder. You may have followed directions perfectly, yet didn’t meet your treatment goals.

We understand and we empathize. The symptoms of bipolar disorder often overlap with several other mental health disorders, which means finding the right support can take time.

At Crownview Psychiatric Institute, we believe that no matter how severe your symptoms are or how long you’ve lived with bipolar disorder, you deserve the chance to live the life you want to live. You deserve a chance to learn to manage your symptoms and thrive – and we can help you get there.

The Crownview Clinical Team Understands Bipolar Disorders

Our expert clinicians have extensive experience treating patients with the five types of bipolar disorder identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V):

1. Bipolar I disorder (BD-I): BD-1 is identified by the presence of manic episodes, depressive episodes, and hypomanic episodes.
2. Bipolar II disorder (BD-II): BD-II is identified by the presence of at least one current or past hypomanic episode, one major depressive episode, but no history of full manic episodes.
3. Cyclothymic disorder: This type of BD is identified by the presence of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that aren’t as severe or disruptive as those experienced by people diagnosed with BD-I or BD-II.
4. Other specified bipolar and related disorders: This diagnosis applies to patients who show bipolar-like symptoms that are difficult and disruptive, but not as severe as symptoms associated with BD-I, BD-II, or cyclothymic disorder.
5. Unspecified bipolar and related disorders: This includes patients who experience symptoms commonly associated with bipolar disorders, but don’t cause significant disruption or meet criteria for any other BD-type diagnosis.

While some patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder report mild or moderate symptoms, most experience significant disruption, and in some cases, make everyday life feel exhausting and overwhelming.

We know that’s not how you want to live, and the reason you’re willing to commit to treatment.

The intensity of the highs and lows – mood swings that vacillate from extreme happiness and energy to sadness, confusion, and fatigue – can impair basic functioning at school, at work, and in social situations, and create problems in interpersonal relationships with family, peers, spouses, and romantic interests.

Our Unique Approach to Complex Bipolar Disorders

Upon intake and admission to a Crownview treatment program, our clinical staff administers a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to ensure the accuracy of your diagnosis. We learn about your medical history, psychiatric history, treatment history, and listen to anything you want to share. Our goal is to take the time to learn about who you are and what you want out of treatment.

Next, based on principles established by the Unified Protocol for treating emotional disorders, we use what we learn during intake design a plan that can help you:

1. Understand the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
2. Develop the ability to recognize your manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, understand what triggers them, and how you can find balance when they occur.
3. Learn and practice practical strategies and skills to manage disruptive patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior associated with bipolar disorders.

Evidence shows that the most effective approach to treating patients with b disorder bipolar disorder involves an integrated, whole person approach. Most plans will include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, education, community/family support, and adjunct/complementary services.

Treatment Modalities for Bipolar Disorder

Once we understand who you are, help you identify your goals, strengths, and challenge areas, we design a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Your customized treatment plan will include a combination of the following therapeutic techniques and approaches, depending on your specific needs:

Consequences of Untreated Bipolar Disorder

Untreated bipolar disorder can cause extreme disruption, frustration, and difficulty in your life and the lives of your friends and loved ones. The intensity of the moods and the contrast between the highs and lows mood swings can be completely debilitating. With no professional support, you may experience the following negative consequences:

• Strained relationships with family and friends
• Suicidal behavior
• Co-occurring mental health disorders
• Disordered use of alcohol and/or substances
• Impaired work/educational abilities
• Financial problems
• Homelessness
• Social isolation
• Health and medical problems
• Aggression associated with mania

Those consequences are why professional help and support is essential.

We can help you develop the skills you need to move you toward a life you choose, rather than one dominated by the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

With time, effort, and an evidence-based treatment plan, you can find that path forward. You can learn to manage your symptoms and reduce the disruption they cause. You can start your healing journey today.

At Crownview, we offer a real chance at healing. But there’s one more question to answer: how do you know what level of care is appropriate for you?

Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Inpatient Residential Treatment: How to Decide

The level of care you need depends on several factors. In collaboration with your Crownview treatment team, you’ll identify the following:

1. The intensity of your symptoms.
2. The frequency and duration of your symptoms.
3. The level of disruption they cause in your daily life.

These factors – as well as your treatment history and practical factors – will help you decide on the appropriate level of care. If your symptoms are intense and disruptive and you’ve tried outpatient therapy or intensive outpatient therapy already, you may need to step up to an immersive level of care such as partial hospitalization treatment or inpatient residential treatment.

At Crownview Psychiatric Institute, we’ll meet you where you are, help you develop the skills you need to manage your symptoms, and empower you to reach your destination: living a full and productive life on your own terms.

Learn More Today

To learn more about our programs and services, or to learn more details about we can help you or a loved one, please contact us today.

Healing is a phone call away.