Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are four distinct categories of bipolar disorder, which are all characterized by mood changes and shifts in energy or activity levels. These types include:
- Bipolar I disorder: Periods of full mania last a week or more. Then, they are typically followed by major depressive episodes that can last at least two weeks. The severity of these symptoms often leads many to seek treatment from a hospital.
- Bipolar II disorder: Depressive episodes alternate with hypomania—a less severe form of mania—that typically lasts at least four days. The symptoms of hypomania are normally experienced for most of the day, on most days.
- Cyclothymic disorder: Hypomania and mild depression episodes alternate with symptom-free periods over the course of at least two years. The symptoms associated with this disorder do not fully meet the diagnostic requirements for either of the above categories.
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Other bipolar-related disorders: Include other forms of bipolar disorder that do not fall into the above categories, such as substance-induced mood disorders.
What Bipolar Disorder Feels Like
There are four distinct categories of bipolar disorder, which are all characterized by mood changes and shifts in energy or activity levels. These types include:
“The Up” (or Highs)
Mania, while often described as being a “high”, can be extraordinarily challenging when it goes beyond a manageable level. Particularly when following a depression episode, the positive moods surrounding mania may feel desirable. Over time, however, the manic episode can cause irritability and unpredictable behavior. Reckless decisions or risk-taking can make mania particularly difficult to manage.
Individuals with bipolar disorder may not always suffer from full-blown manic episodes. Hypomania is a similar, milder form of mania. Oftentimes individuals who experience hypomania do not find it debilitating. Friends or family may notice mood swings, however, and this may make the bipolar disorder identifiable.
“The Down” (or Lows)
The depressive episodes of bipolar disorder can be exhausting. It may be difficult to get out of bed, or someone may have trouble falling or staying asleep. These periods are primarily defined by feeling extremely low. Someone may lack the desire to socialize or even complete menial tasks such as eating.
Feelings of guilt, failure, or loss may become overwhelming and can lead to suicidal thoughts. For those who are experiencing hardships related to a bipolar disorder diagnosis, CAST Treatment Centers offers bipolar disorder treatment in Los Angeles.
Where Does Bipolar Disorder Come From?
There are a handful of factors that can lead to a higher chance of having bipolar disorder. As well, there are elements that can trigger a manic or depressive episode, including the following:
Environmental Factors
- Traumatic events
- Stress
- Mental, physical, sexual or emotional abuse
Gender
Though bipolar disorder equally affects both men and women, the likelihood of experiencing frequent changes in moods is three times higher in women. Women diagnosed with bipolar disorder also have a higher rate of episodes related to depression, as well as alternating episodes of depression and mania.
Family History
Those who have members of their family with bipolar disorder, such as a sibling or parent, are more susceptible to developing symptoms related to it. This is due to bipolar disorder potentially being inherited from older generations.
Brain Composition
Mood disorders, such as bipolar, are often linked to chemical imbalances in the brain, and one’s hormones. These issues often cause physical alterations to a person’s brain.
How Bipolar Disorder is Treated
Deciding to undergo treatment for bipolar disorder can be an incredibly daunting experience. That’s why, at our bipolar treatment in Los Angeles, we ensure people can receive the care they need in a comfortable and supportive environment. During the initial stages of treatment, we conduct a mental health assessment to evaluate the type of bipolar disorder one may have.
Once we gather this information, we then create an individualized treatment plan best for a person’s specific mental health needs. These treatment plans involve a client undergoing a form of holistic therapy, such as psychotherapy. This furthers their self-awareness of the disorder, as well as helps them understand how to make positive and healthy changes in their lives.
Depending on the severity of the disorder, our psychiatrists may prescribe medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics for use to ease the process of treatment.
Specialized Treatment Programs
The following are some of the specialized programs we offer during bipolar disorder treatment in Los Angeles, designed to make the treatment process as comfortable and effective as possible:
The Link Between Bipolar and Substance Use
As with many other mood-related disorders, bipolar has a significant effect on the chemical balance of one’s brain. This instability causes many of those who are suffering from symptoms to look for a way to self-medicate. Unfortunately, this search for relief often leads many to begin using substances such as alcohol or other drugs.
Consequently, addictions are likely to develop, as a person could become reliant on these substances as a way of stabilizing their chemical imbalances and mood. It is also worth noting that a person struggling with substance use disorder may be more likely to develop a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder, due to the impact alcohol has on the brain.
No matter the circumstances, the abuse of substances by someone with bipolar disorder can have a serious impact on someone’s mental and physical health. That is why, we recommend seeking the assistance of a professional treatment center, like CAST Treatment Centers, for bipolar disorder treatment in Los Angeles.
Begin Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles
At CAST Treatment Centers in Los Angeles, California, we understand how difficult it can be to live with bipolar disorder. That’s why, if you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, we offer bipolar disorder treatment in Los Angeles. When choosing our treatment center, you can rest assured that all of your mental and emotional health-related needs will be addressed and properly treated. Our professionally trained and compassionate staff members are dedicated to helping you heal and feel empowered, by offering you vital support while undergoing our individualized treatments and programs.
For more information about the types of treatments we offer to those struggling with bipolar disorder, as well as our other mental health treatment programs, contact us today.
