Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Houston
We Treat A Wide Range of Patients who
suffer from Mental Health, including Bipolar Disorder
Whether you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorder drug, we are qualified to be able to help you find recovery.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, which is about 3% of the population over age 18, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). While the average age of onset is 25, research shows that many adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 also meet the criteria for diagnosis.
The most effective way to manage bipolar disorder is through early intervention and consistent symptom management. If you or someone you know is seeking bipolar disorder treatment in Los Angeles, Solace Treatment Center is here to help.
Understanding
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that deeply affects emotional and psychological stability, often causing intense mood swings ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. These episodes can significantly disrupt daily life, making early diagnosis and proper treatment essential. The condition includes several types—such as Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder—each with distinct symptoms and challenges that require customized treatment.
Effective care typically combines medications like mood stabilizers and antipsychotics with psychotherapy for a well-rounded approach. Additionally, making healthy lifestyle changes and receiving consistent support from loved ones can greatly improve daily functioning and overall quality of life for individuals living with bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder include depressive episodes such as:
- Sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness
- Changes in appetite, metabolism, and weight
- Problems with insomnia or oversleeping
- Engaging in risky behaviors when under the influence
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and Guilt
- Irritability and agitation
- Lack of motivation and interest in exciting activities
- Inability to meet life's obligations and responsibilities
Manic signs and symptoms can include:
- Increased energy
- Sleeping problems
- Intense happiness and euphoria
- Distracted mind, sometimes due to boredom
- Hyper-sexuality
- Trouble focusing
- Racing thoughts
- Rapid speech, often bouncing around in topics
- Aggressive planning and expectations for the future
Living with bipolar disorder can be difficult due to intense mood shifts—ranging from high-energy, impulsive manic episodes to deep, low-energy periods of depression. These fluctuations can greatly affect day-to-day life, making early diagnosis and timely treatment essential for effective management.
Working with a qualified mental health professional is crucial to receiving an accurate diagnosis and creating a personalized treatment plan. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, such as mood stabilizers and antidepressants, along with therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy to help manage symptoms.
In addition to professional care, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and learning stress-reduction techniques can support emotional balance. Building a strong support system of loved ones and peer groups also provides valuable encouragement. With the right treatment and consistent support, individuals with bipolar disorder can experience greater stability and lead meaningful, productive lives.
Treatment Options
for Bipolar Disorder
Managing bipolar disorder effectively involves more than just medication. Successful treatment includes understanding the condition, staying connected with healthcare providers, building a reliable support network, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. These elements can help reduce the reliance on intensive medication and improve overall outcomes.
Following your treatment plan closely and checking in with your clinician when changes occur is essential. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will review available treatment options and may prescribe medication if necessary.
You may also be referred to another mental health professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or bipolar specialist. Together, you and your care team will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Medications
Bipolar disorder is treated with a variety of drugs. Doctors prescribe varying medications and dosages depending on the specific symptoms. Such include:
- Antipsychotics – If depression symptoms or mania continue despite treatment with other prescriptions, using antipsychotic medication may be beneficial. Your clinician may prescribe a few of these drugs alone or their combination with mood stabilizers.
- Mood stabilizers – To manage manic or hypomanic outbursts, one almost always needs mood-stabilizing medications, which may include lithium, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, carbamazepine, or lamotrigine.
- Antidepressant-antipsychotic – Symbyax is a depressive prescription and mood stabilizer that mixes the antidepressant fluoxetine with the antipsychotic olanzapine.
- Antidepressants – To help treat depression, your treatment could include antidepressants. Antidepressants frequently work alongside a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic, since they can occasionally precipitate a manic episode.
- Anti-anxiety – Benzodiazepines can help with anxiety and sleep, although doctors normally administer them for a limited time.
Traditional Psychotherapy
Research shows that individuals with bipolar disorder who combine medication with therapy are more likely to recover faster and maintain long-term stability.
Therapy helps patients manage challenges that often arise from their condition, such as difficulties with relationships, work, or self-esteem. It also addresses co-occurring issues like anxiety or substance use.
The following types of therapy have proven especially helpful in the treatment of bipolar disorder:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individuals learn how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors. This type of therapy helps identify and replace harmful thinking and behavioral patterns with healthier, more constructive responses.
When used to treat bipolar disorder, CBT focuses on managing symptoms, identifying potential triggers for relapse, and strengthening problem-solving skills.
Family-focused therapy
Supporting someone with bipolar disorder can be challenging and may strain family or marital relationships. Family-focused therapy is designed to address these issues by fostering a more supportive and understanding home environment.
This approach emphasizes educating family members about bipolar disorder and how to manage its symptoms effectively. It also focuses on resolving conflicts at home and enhancing communication among family members.
Types of
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder
A manic episode—or a combination of manic and mixed symptoms—typically lasts for at least seven days or may require hospitalization due to its severity. Depressive symptoms often follow, lasting up to two weeks.
Bipolar II Disorder
This form of bipolar disorder is characterized by a recurring pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, without the presence of full manic or mixed symptoms. Unlike mania, hypomania does not involve psychosis or grandiosity and tends to be less impairing to daily functioning.
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder, or Cyclothymia, is a milder type of bipolar disorder marked by periods of hypomania and mild depression. To meet the criteria for diagnosis, these mood fluctuations must persist for a minimum of two years.
Helping a Loved One
with Bipolar Disorder
First, help them get diagnosed and start treatment by setting up an appointment, going with them to the doctor, and encouraging them to follow through with their care plan.
Here are some ways you can support a friend or loved one:
- Provide emotional support, fortitude, and reassurance
- Listen to feelings expressed by your companion and appreciate circumstances that may trigger symptoms
- Talk to them and show empathy
- Take your loved one out for healthy activities, including hikes, trips, and other pastimes.
- Assure them that with patience and treatment, they will recover soon.
- Never dismiss remarks regarding self-harm. You should always report these remarks to a therapist or doctor.
Bipolar disorders, like many chronic conditions, can place a significant strain on partners, families, friends, and other loved ones. Caregivers often find themselves navigating serious behavioral challenges—such as manic episodes, extreme withdrawal during depressive phases, or decreased performance at work or school.
These ongoing stressors can affect the caregiver’s own health and well-being. The pressure may lead to missed work, loss of personal time, strained relationships with those who don’t understand the situation, and both emotional and physical exhaustion.
Caring for someone with bipolar disorder is difficult, especially during intense episodes. Research shows that when caregivers are overwhelmed, it can make it harder for their loved ones to follow treatment plans—raising the risk of severe mood episodes. That’s why it’s just as important for caregivers to care for themselves while supporting someone with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Houston
with Solace Texas
Bipolar disorder is a serious condition that demands timely and effective treatment. At Solace Treatment Center, we offer outpatient care for co-occurring disorders, supporting individuals facing both substance use and mental health challenges. If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, our experienced team is here to help you build a healthier lifestyle.
The period following detox and residential treatment is essential for lasting recovery. That’s why Solace Treatment Center is committed to providing a wide range of evidence-based therapies to support your continued progress. Contact us today to take the next step toward reclaiming your life.
FAQs about Bipolar Disorder
and BPD Treatment
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect sleep, energy levels, behavior, judgment, and the ability to think clearly.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder. Bipolar I involves periods of severe mood episodes from mania to depression. A pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes marks bipolar II. Still, not the full-blown manic episodes that are typical of Bipolar I. Cyclothymic Disorder involves periods of hypomanic symptoms as well as periods of depressive symptoms for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for hypomanic and depressive episodes.
The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but a combination of genetics, environment, altered brain structure, and chemistry may play a role. Stress, traumatic events, or a significant life change can sometimes trigger a manic or depressive episode in people with a predisposition to the disorder.
Diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional, including a psychiatric assessment, a medical history review, and sometimes, physical exams and lab tests to rule out other conditions. A detailed history of mood swings and their impact on daily functioning is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment typically includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medications may include mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and antidepressants. Psychotherapy options can consist of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and family therapy. Lifestyle changes and support groups can also be beneficial.
While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, effective treatment can significantly manage symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of mood swings. Many people with bipolar disorder lead productive lives with the appropriate treatment plan.
Lifestyle adjustments that can help manage bipolar disorder include maintaining a routine, getting regular exercise, keeping a stable sleep schedule, avoiding drugs and alcohol, monitoring moods and symptoms, and practicing stress management techniques.
Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits of taking medication for bipolar disorder during pregnancy. Some medications may carry risks to the fetus, and a healthcare provider can help determine the safest treatment plan.
Family and friends can offer crucial support by being understanding, patient, and encouraging. They can help their loved one adhere to treatment, provide emotional support, help monitor their symptoms, and encourage them to talk about their feelings. Educating themselves about bipolar disorder can also offer insights into the challenges faced by their loved ones.
