What We Treat
Bipolar Disorder
While there are multiple types of bipolar disorder — bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic — they can all cause intense swings in mood, energy levels, and functional abilities.
Bipolar disorder treatment at Pasadena Villa
Bipolar disorder is usually treated with a combination of prescription medication and psychotherapy. At Pasadena Villa, we offer bipolar disorder treatment using the most advanced evidence-based methods available to help clients achieve the highest levels of functioning and independent living.
Substance abuse may also be present in those with bipolar disorder as a result of attempting to self-medicate or increase euphoric symptoms. Substance misuse can also worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder, so it’s important to treat both co-occurring disorders concurrently in an integrated setting.
Defining bipolar disorder
A mental illness that results in mood and energy changes, bipolar disorder includes episodes of mania and depression. In manic episodes, individuals with the disorder can lose touch with reality, see themselves as invincible, and act compulsively. There are three types of this disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.
Though the specific causes of bipolar disorder are unclear, there are both biological factors and environmental factors that increase the risk. Stress, sleep disruption, and drugs or alcohol may also trigger mood episodes.
Approximately 40 million people worldwide live with bipolar disorder.
FAQs
Questions about bipolar disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
A mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and thoughts, characterized by manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes. Both biological and environmental factors can increase the risk for bipolar disorder.
There are three main types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I: Characterized by episodes of mania, a period of extremely high energy and elevated mood. Manic symptoms may be accompanied by psychosis. Most people with this diagnosis experience a period of depression after a manic episode.
Bipolar II: Characterized by cycling episodes of severe depression and hypomania (a less severe form of mania)
Cyclothymic disorder: A less severe form of bipolar disorder characterized by frequent shifts between elevated and depressed mood.
What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- Dramatic shifts in mood
- Depression and mania in rapid sequence
- Increased creativity or productivity with little need for sleep
- Obsessed with feelings of personal failure, guilt, or helplessness
- Spontaneous or compulsive behavior
- Easily frustrated or irritable
- Although rare, severe episodes may include hallucinations or delusions
When to seek help for bipolar disorder?
Due to the range of severity of bipolar symptoms — some of which can be debilitating — it’s important to seek treatment if your symptoms interfere with your ability to care for yourself, function normally at work or school, or maintain your relationships.
Pasadena Villa
Our Levels of Care
From residential treatment to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, our continuum of care is designed to meet individuals at every stage of their recovery journey.
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