Bipolar disorder is a common mental health illness that is characterized by erratic mood swings that include extreme emotional highs and severe depressive lows. It affects one in forty adults in the U.S. today and comes with a high risk of substance abuse. While there is no cure for this disorder, bipolar disorder therapy has proven to be very effective in reducing the number of episodes and allowing individuals to lead productive lives.
7 Summit Pathways offers comprehensive treatment programs in Tampa, Florida for people who are struggling with addiction, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or other mental health disorders. Our team has years of experience working with patients from different backgrounds and treating the complex symptoms and causes of the disorder. Patients will work with a therapist in group and private therapy sessions while learning valuable coping skills that promote a healthy lifestyle. If you are doing a search for specialty services near me, click on the link for 7 Summit Pathways, or call 813.212.7149 today to schedule a tour and meet our team.
What Is Bipolar Disorder Therapy?
Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression and affected people in different ways. Some will experience manic highs, extreme lows, or a combination of both. Experts believe that your brain’s chemical makeup is partially responsible for this disorder. Patients with high levels of norepinephrine and other imbalances in serotonin and dopamine levels can make people more susceptible.
Other common causes that are known to cause bipolar disorder include unresolved trauma, stressful life events, peer pressure, and certain medications or illicit drugs. The symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on the type of episode you experience:
Mania and hypomania episode symptoms include:
- Being abnormally upbeat, jumpy, or wired
- Increased levels of activity and energy
- An overinflated sense of well-being and confidence
- Extremely talkative
- Easily distracted
- Poor decision-making skills
Those going through a depressive episode will experience:
- Severe depression
- A lack of interest in favorite activities
- Significant weight changes
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Low energy levels
- Lack of concentration
- Suicidal thoughts
Manic episodes can last for up to seven days, while depressive episodes can last for two weeks or longer. If you are struggling with bipolar disorder, 7 Summit Pathways offers outpatient mental health treatment programs that can treat bipolar disorder and the underlying causes that are fueling it.
What to Expect from Bipolar Disorder Therapy
Bipolar disorder is a complex illness to treat that requires a variety of different therapeutic options. Patients will receive individualized care through different behavioral, holistic, and medication-assisted therapies based on their unique symptoms. Here is just some of what you can expect from a bipolar disorder therapy program:
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the top forms of therapy for treating bipolar disorder, addiction, and other mental health disorders. It is a form of talk therapy where therapists guide patients to uncover the root cause of the disorder and begin making positive changes in the way they think and behave. They learn how to recognize their triggers and how to stop them before their symptoms worsen or they feel the urge to reach for drugs or alcohol.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Bipolar disorder causes multiple symptoms that make it extremely difficult to focus and work on their recovery. As part of a well-rounded treatment program, patients are given medication to ease their symptoms. Medical staff will administer medication and monitor patients for any adverse reactions. As symptoms fade, so will the need for medication, and they will begin reducing the dosage size until no longer necessary.
Some patients may require lifelong medication if their symptoms are severe enough.
Family Therapy
Another important aspect of the recovery process is repairing any personal relationships that are affected by the disorder. All family members will have a chance to talk with a therapist and learn more about the disorder and how it affects the entire family. They will also learn how they can support the recovery process by learning what to do when an episode happens.
7 Summit Pathways: Your Top Choice for Specialty Services near Tampa
At 7 Summit Pathways, our team has experience treating bipolar disorder and other mental health illnesses using proven therapeutic techniques. You will work one-on-one with a therapist to discuss the reasons behind the disorder and develop new ways to cope with those feelings. For severe or dual-diagnosis cases, medical support is available to minimize those symptoms that are interfering with the recovery process.
Discover all of the benefits of our bipolar disorder therapy program by calling 813.212.7149 or contacting us online today to speak with our compassionate team.