Bipolar Disorder Treatment In Ohio

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes a range of mood swings. Those with bipolar disorder may experience depressive and manic episodes.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health disorder or symptoms of bipolar disorder, an individualized treatment plan can help improve your quality of life.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment At Ohio Recovery Center

At Ohio Recovery Center, we offer treatment for bipolar disorder for you or your family members. If you are diagnosed with this disorder, our residential mental health treatment facility can assist you in finding treatment options which are beneficial for you.

The treatment options available at our inpatient treatment center consist of evidence-based care, psychotherapy, and the incorporation of medications to assist in mood stabilization. Our program is a great option for step-down care following psychiatric hospitalization.

Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness which causes mood changes that can range from mild to severe. A person may experience episodes of depression or major depression as well as episodes of mania. 

This mental health condition is characterized as a mood disorder that can lead to serious mood episodes if not treated properly.

Types Of Bipolar Disorder

There are four types of bipolar disorder: 

• Bipolar I Disorder: People with this type experience one of more manic episodes at some point during their life. Mania and depression can occur in rapid cycling in which a person experiences four or more manic episodes during a year.
• Bipolar II Disorder: A person experiences bipolar depression and hypomanic episodes. However, a full manic episode may not occur, only hypomania, a less severe form of mania. Depressive episodes can be more common and last for longer periods of time.
• Cyclothymic Disorder or Cyclothymia: This form of bipolar may occur for at least two years, with a person experiencing severe changes in mood.
• Unspecified Bipolar Disorder: This type is considered “unspecified” if a person experiences mood elevation but does not meet the criteria for the other types of bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis

To receive a proper diagnosis, you will need to speak with a mental health professional. A person must experience at least one episode of mania or hypomania to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Healthcare professionals may reference the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to help determine your diagnosis type.

Signs & Symptoms

Warning signs of those suffering from bipolar disorder include depressive episodes which lead to a person experiencing severe symptoms of depression such as:

• feelings of worthlessness

• loss of interest in activities
• difficulty concentrating
• unable to do simple tasks
• risk of suicide due to suicidal ideations

Manic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder may include:

• feeling more active than usual
• racing thoughts
• feelings of grandiosity
• extreme irritability
• a decreased need for sleep
• talking fast
• excessively spending money, having sex, eating, or other pleasurable activities

Psychosis, as well as other symptoms, may occur and overlap with other medical conditions such as schizophrenia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or substance use disorder. This can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Risk Factors 

According to NIMH, the risk factors associated with bipolar disorder may include genetic factors. Although there is no specific gene, research has determined those who have family members with bipolar disorder may be more likely to develop the mental illness.

Additionally, a variety of factors may determine a bipolar disorder diagnosis. In fact, the brain structure of those with the disorder may appear different from those not suffering from mental health issues.

Statistics

Some statistics related to bipolar disorder include:

• 2.8% of Americans are affected by bipolar disorder each year.
• Bipolar disorder is one of the top 10 leading causes of disability worldwide.
• 1 in 5 patients with bipolar disorder will die by suicide.
• Bipolar disorder results in a 9.2 year reduction in expected life span.
• The median onset of bipolar disorder is 25 years old.

Treating Bipolar Disorder

Whether you require short-term or long-term treatment, there are effective treatment options available. Your specific treatment of bipolar disorder may require changes in the beginning so that professionals can monitor which forms of specialized treatment you require.

Medication

Helpful medications for those with bipolar disorder may include antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.

Those experiencing rapid cycling may require a mood stabilizer medication to provide relief from the extreme highs and lows a person may experience. Mood stabilizers can include:

• lamotrigine
• lithium
• carbamazepine
• valproic acid
• Valproate

Antipsychotics to be considered may include:

• quetiapine
• olanzapine
• aripiprazole
• risperidone
• asenapine
• lurasidone

Additionally, anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines may be used to help treat symptoms. Any of these medications may cause a wide range of side effects including weight gain, dry mouth, or constipation.

Psychotherapy

Therapy options may be useful for a variety of mental illnesses. Those with bipolar disorder may benefit from various types of therapy such as:

• talk therapy
• family-focused therapy
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
• group therapy

Additionally, support groups can be of assistance.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) & Light Therapy

Another treatment option reserved for those suffering from severe manic or depressive episodes include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). 

Because many who suffer from bipolar disorder can also experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of therapy known as light therapy can help ease symptoms of depression.

How To Find Bipolar Disorder Treatment In Ohio

There are several ways to discover bipolar disorder treatment options in Ohio.

Reach Out To Local Treatment Providers

You can find various local treatment providers in the area by researching local facilities. This includes Ohio Recovery Center, which is our inpatient facility that offers primary treatment options for bipolar disorder.

PCP Or Family Physician

Notify your primary healthcare physician of your struggles, as they may recommend medications or local resources that may be beneficial to you.

SAMHSA

Consider utilizing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which provides a treatment facility locator tool and can assist you in your search.

For information on our mental health disorder treatment options, please contact Ohio Recovery Center today.