Bipolar Disorders

Bipolar disorder symptoms can affect people in different ways but typically cause people to experience both manic and depressive episodes. 

Manic episode symptoms may include: 

• Feeling unusually happy or “high” 

• Having too much energy or being overly active 

• Having racing thoughts and trouble focusing 

• Being easily distracted 

• Talking quickly or more than usual 

• Feeling irritable or agitated 

• Acting aggressively 

• Being unable to sleep 

• Making impulsive decisions or poor choices 

• Engaging in risky behaviors, like substance use or unsafe sexual activities 

• Experiencing hallucinations or delusions (psychosis) 

Depressive episode symptoms may include:  

• Feeling ongoing sadness or being “down” 

• Feeling hopeless or like things will never get better 

• Having low energy or a feeling of constant tiredness 

• Feeling anxious or uneasy 

• Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much 

• Losing interest in things once enjoyed 

• Experiencing unexplained physical pain 

• Having trouble concentrating 

• Feeling irritable or upset 

• Having thoughts of suicide 

Sometimes, mental health professionals may use terms like “mixed features” or “rapid cycling” to describe the patterns of a person’s symptoms. If someone has mixed features, they may have both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. Rapid cycling means having four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression within one year’s time. 

People who have bipolar disorder may also face other mental health concerns, including: 

• Anxiety disorders 

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

• Substance use disorders 

 

These and any other co-occurring disorders should always be considered during a person’s treatment planning. 

There are several types of bipolar disorder, including: 

• Bipolar I disorder: Bipolar I disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including at least one manic episode that lasts for a week or requires urgent medical attention. Depressive episodes are also common and typically last about two weeks. Sometimes, both manic and depressive symptoms can happen at the same time. 

• Bipolar II disorder: Bipolar II disorder involves at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode. Hypomania refers to less intense manic symptoms that last for about four days instead of one week. Unlike manic episodes, hypomanic episodes do not cause major disruptions to one’s daily life. People who have bipolar II disorder may also have other mental health conditions, like anxiety or substance use disorders, which can make their symptoms worse.  

• Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, is a milder form of bipolar disorder. People who have cyclothymia experience frequent mood swings, with episodes of hypomania and depressive symptoms. While the mood changes are less severe than those associated with bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder, they can still affect daily life. The person will have periods when their mood is stable, but these rarely last more than eight weeks. 

• Unspecified bipolar and related disorders: Unspecified bipolar disorder may be diagnosed when someone has significant mood swings but does not fully meet the criteria for bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, or cyclothymic disorder. These mood changes are severe enough to be clinically noticeable and affect a person’s ability to function in daily life. 

Researchers haven’t yet figured out exactly what causes bipolar disorder, but they think that there are several possible factors: 

• Genetics: If a child has a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder, they’re more likely to develop it themselves. However, just because someone has a family history doesn’t necessarily mean that they will suffer from the disorder. 

• Brain structure and function: While brain scans can’t determine a bipolar disorder diagnosis, studies show that people who have the condition may have small differences in brain chemistry, structure, or how their brain works. 

• Stress: Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, illness, divorce, or money problems, can sometimes trigger manic or depressive episodes. 

Several other factors, such as the types of hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy or changes in the weather and seasons, can also trigger mood swings in people who have bipolar disorder. 

Bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on many areas of a person’s life, affecting both their mental and physical health, relationships, and everyday functioning. These challenges can make it difficult to navigate daily life, but by getting the right mental health treatment, many people can find ways to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. 

• Emotional and mental health: One of the most noticeable effects of bipolar disorder is the extreme mood swings people experience. These swings often shift between manic episodes, during which a person feels overly happy, energetic, or irritable, and depressive episodes, during which they feel deeply sad, hopeless, or exhausted. These rapid mood changes can be intense and can make it difficult for people to manage their feelings, which may lead to frustration, irritability, or a sense of being out of control. During depressive episodes, people may struggle with concentration, memory, and decision-making, while manic episodes can impair judgment, sometimes leading to risky behaviors. 

• Physical health: Bipolar disorder can affect one’s physical health, particularly a person’s sleep patterns. During manic episodes, people may experience insomnia or feel like they need less sleep, while depressive episodes can lead to excessive sleeping or difficulty falling asleep. Energy levels can also fluctuate significantly. Mania can bring a surge of energy, making someone feel unstoppable, while depression often brings extreme fatigue, making even simple daily tasks feel exhausting. 

• Relationships: Bipolar disorder can take a toll on relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. The unpredictable mood swings can make it difficult to maintain stable, healthy connections. During manic episodes, impulsive or reckless behavior may strain relationships, while during depressive episodes, a person may withdraw, isolating themselves from others. Communication can also become a challenge. In manic states, a person may talk excessively or dominate conversations, while during depressive states, they may become quiet and withdrawn and struggle to express themselves. 

• Work and school: Bipolar disorder can cause mood swings that make it hard to keep up with responsibilities at work or school. Feelings of extreme highs and lows can affect a person’s concentration, focus, and ability to meet deadlines. During depressive episodes, people may miss work or school, while manic episodes may lead them to take on too much at once, such as taking on too many tasks at work or making impulsive decisions. This can result in inconsistent performance, where someone may start projects excitedly but struggle to follow through when their mood shifts. 

• Risky or unsafe behaviors: Bipolar disorder can lead to impulsive behavior, especially during manic episodes. People may engage in risky or unsafe activities like substance use, reckless spending, or unsafe sexual practices, all of which can have serious consequences. Substance use disorders can also complicate the treatment of bipolar disorder and management of symptoms, which is why combined treatment for both conditions is often necessary.  

• Mental health and co-occurring disorders: In addition to bipolar disorder, many people also struggle with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which can make managing bipolar disorder symptoms even more difficult. It’s also important to note that during depressive episodes, there is an increased risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you or someone you know is experiencing these thoughts, seeking professional help right away is critical. 

Although living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, many people find ways to manage their symptoms by getting the right treatment and support. With the help of mental health professionals, it is possible to build coping skills, stabilize mood swings, and improve relationships, work, and overall quality of life. 

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, seeking treatment for bipolar disorder at Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, can provide the professional support and guidance you need to begin your journey to healing and improved mental health. 

If you’re thinking about seeking treatment for bipolar disorder, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Bipolar disorder affects many people, with about 2.8% of the U.S. population being diagnosed in the past year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Nearly 83% of these cases are considered severe, highlighting just how impactful the disorder can be. 

Bipolar disorder doesn’t discriminate — it affects people from all walks of life, with symptoms often beginning during adolescence or early adulthood. Both men and women are equally impacted by the condition. It’s also worth noting that factors like work stress, relationship challenges, sleep issues, and physical health problems can make bipolar disorder symptoms harder to manage. 

The good news is that many people who seek bipolar disorder treatment — whether through therapy, medication, or support groups — can find significant relief and experience an improved quality of life. By receiving the right care, you can begin to feel better, restore hope, and take meaningful steps toward building a brighter future. Effective and compassionate bipolar disorder treatment is available, and finding the right support for you is a crucial part of the healing journey.  

Bipolar disorder is highly treatable with the right support and tools in place. At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we believe in treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. We create a personalized treatment plan for each client, ensuring that we tailor their care to their specific needs and goals. 

We use evidence-based therapies that have proved effective in treating bipolar disorder. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, which can help clients understand their symptoms and can lead to better relationships with loved ones. Medication is another common and effective treatment for bipolar disorder, and, when combined with therapy, it can help people manage both manic and depressive episodes. 

During bipolar disorder treatment, clients can receive essential medical care if needed, and they have the opportunity to participate in daily group therapy sessions. Medication management services are also offered to ensure that clients receive any medications they may need while in treatment. 

Our dedicated team of professionals closely monitors each client’s progress, adjusting their bipolar disorder treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming environment where clients can focus on healing and moving toward a brighter future. 

A key part of our approach is our detailed discharge planning. This planning ensures a smooth transition to a lower level of care or back to the community, with a clear outline of the next steps in the client’s bipolar disorder treatment journey, which helps to maintain a continuity of care. 

At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we are committed to providing consistent support throughout the healing process, helping to instill hope, build self-confidence, and empower clients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. 

Receiving a proper diagnosis of and treatment for bipolar disorder are important steps toward managing the symptoms of the condition and improving one’s quality of life. A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made when a person has experienced at least one manic or hypomanic episode. The type of bipolar disorder is determined by a mental health professional, who evaluates the symptoms and the level of impairment during manic periods, based on the established diagnostic criteria in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR). 

The treatment options for bipolar disorder often include a combination of medication, therapy, and self-management techniques. Because bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, ongoing, consistent treatment is essential to help a person manage their symptoms over time.  

• Medications: Commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and, in some cases, antidepressants. These medications work to stabilize mood swings and help people manage both manic and depressive episodes. Medication is not a required part of bipolar disorder treatment, and whether a person takes medication is determined based on their individualized treatment plan. 

• Therapy: Therapy can play an important role in treatment. Evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy are frequently used to help people understand their symptoms, develop coping strategies, and improve relationships with their loved ones. 

• Self-management techniques: In addition to medication and therapy, self-management techniques can be very helpful. Learning about one’s condition, recognizing the early warning signs of a manic or depressive episode, and using strategies like physical exercise, meditation, and mindfulness can all contribute to better emotion regulation and overall well-being. 

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, it’s possible to lead a fulfilling and balanced life. At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we offer individualized care through residential treatment, day treatment (also known as a partial hospitalization program, or PHP), and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping those who have bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders by providing support, guidance, and effective treatment. With the right care, it is possible to improve your mental health and live a healthier, more fulfilling life. 

Finding the right treatment for bipolar disorder starts with choosing a mental health treatment center that offers personalized care and focuses on your complete well-being, not just your symptoms. At Turning Point Centers in Utah, we take a customized approach to treatment. Our services include therapy, medication management (when needed), and medical care (on a case-by-case basis), and we focus on fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness. From your first call to aftercare planning, our goal is to provide bipolar disorder treatment that helps you make the most of your time with us. 

While you’re in treatment, you’ll receive high-quality care in a supportive and comfortable environment set against the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. Our luxurious, boutique treatment setting creates a sense of safety and relaxation — an ideal place to focus on healing. 

Taking the first step toward treatment for bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial part of building a brighter future. Reach out to our admissions team anytime to learn more about our bipolar disorder treatment services and see how we can support you or your loved one. We’re here to listen and help guide you on your unique path to healing. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.