Bipolar 1 Disorder Treatment

What Is Bipolar 1 Disorder?

Bipolar 1 disorder (formerly known as manic depressive disorder or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes extreme shifts in a person’s energy, mood, activity levels, and concentration. Those with Bipolar 1 disorder experience at least one manic episode lasting a week or more, often followed or preceded by periods of sadness, indifference, or hopelessness (depressive episodes).

Types of Episodes in Bipolar 1

• Manic episode
  This is defined as an extremely unstable euphoric or irritable mood along with an excess of activity or energy level. Individuals may present with excessively rapid thought processes, speech, reckless behavior, and feelings of invincibility.
• Depressive episode
  This is defined as a low or depressed mood or loss of interest in most activities. Symptoms may include tiredness, changes in appetite, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
• Mixed episode
  Mixed episodes feature overlapping or alternating manic and depressive symptoms during the same period. They are often caused by a combination of risk factors (e.g., family history, seasonal changes, and brain structure).
• Rapid cycling
  Rapid cycling involves at least four mood episodes in the previous 12 months that meet the criteria for bipolar disorder type 1.

Symptoms of Bipolar 1 Disorder

Symptoms of type 1 bipolar disorder include:

• Manic episodes
  • Feeling very happy, excited, and energetic.
  • Feeling restless.
  • Rapid and excessive talking.
  • Racing thoughts or quickly changing ideas or topics when having a conversation.
  • Being impulsive or extravagant.
    
    
• Depressive episodes
  • Difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping too much.
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Difficulty with memory or thinking clearly.

Additional symptoms may include distractibility, increased activity, increased impulsive behaviors, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

Causes and Risk Factors of Bipolar 1 Disorder

Those with one or more of the following risk factors may have a higher risk of bipolar 1 disorder:

• A family history of bipolar disorder, such as a parent or sibling with the condition.
• Experiencing periods of high stress (e.g., from the death of a loved one or another traumatic event).
• Drug or alcohol misuse.

Bipolar 1 Disorder Diagnosis

How Is Bipolar 1 Disorder Diagnosed?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), diagnostic criteria for bipolar 1 disorder include:

• A disruptive mood disturbance that impairs social or occupational functioning lasting at least one week.
• The episode is not caused by substance misuse.
• The episode is not caused by another medical condition.
• The episode is characterized by three or more of the following symptoms:
  • Inflated self-esteem.
  • Decreased need for sleep.
  • Racing thoughts.
  • Pressure to keep talking.
  • Easily distracted.
  • Increased goal-directed activity.
• The episode precedes or follows a hypomanic or major depressive episode.

A psychiatrist, mental health professional, or medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions can help confirm your diagnosis with a bipolar 1 test if you are concerned about your mental health.

Bipolar 1 Disorder Test

A bipolar 1 disorder screening test can help determine whether you need to seek professional support and treatment. However, it cannot definitively diagnose bipolar disorder.

If you screen positive on a bipolar disorder test, consult a Beach House Center for Recovery mental health professional for an accurate assessment and diagnosis. Screening tests for bipolar 1 disorder include:

• Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) to help distinguish bipolar disorder from other mood disturbances.
• Rapid Mood Screener (RMS) to screen for manic symptoms and depressive characteristics.

Treatment for Bipolar 1 Disorder

Typical treatment for bipolar 1 disorder includes a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms.

• Medications may include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics to help control manic and depressive episodes.
• Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, may also be used to help identify and change negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often a preferred method. Additional talk therapy sessions, like support groups, may also be recommended.

It is common for those with bipolar disorder to also struggle with substance misuse. Participation in a treatment program can help you overcome your addiction and begin a path toward lasting recovery.

Bipolar 1 Disorder and Co-Occurring Conditions

Common Comorbidities With Bipolar 1 Disorder

Bipolar 1 disorder frequently coexists with other mental health and medical conditions, including:

Mental health conditions

• Anxiety
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Tourette’s Disorders
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Conduct and impulse control disorders

Medical conditions

• Migraine
• Thyroid disorders
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Substance misuse
• Eating disorders

How Co-Occurring Conditions Affect Treatment

Co-occurring conditions, like those listed above, can complicate the treatment of bipolar 1 and lead to one or more of the following:

• Elevated or worsened bipolar 1 symptoms.
• Treatment resistance.
• Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
• Increased risk of suicide.

Because of these additional difficulties, bipolar 1 treatment requires a highly personalized and integrated approach to care that addresses all conditions and symptoms at the same time.

Get Expert Care for Bipolar 1 Disorder at Beach House Center for Recovery

At Beach House Center for Recovery, we provide compassionate, integrated mental health and substance use disorder treatment in Florida to ensure you get the exact care you need.

Our skilled team is ready to help you manage your symptoms and support any co-occurring conditions. Contact our caring admissions counselors for more information and to start your recovery journey.information and to start your recovery journey.