Adult
Bipolar Disorder Therapy for Adults

Bipolar I is the most severe form of bipolar disorder. Mood shifts of mania to depression characterize the condition. These distinct periods of highs and lows are called “episodes.” During a manic episode, a person may be feeling on top of the world or extremely irritable. They may also experience depressive or hypomanic episodes. When they transition into a depressive episode, they may become hopeless and suicidal.

Bipolar II disorder includes episodes of major depression and hypomania. Most people with bipolar II suffer more from bouts of depression. Common symptoms include sadness, crying, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and recurring thoughts of suicide. Hypomanic symptoms may consist of a flight of ideas, pressured speech, increased energy, hyperactivity, increased agitation, and an exaggerated sense of self-confidence.

Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It consists of cyclical mood swings; however, the high and low mood swings do not reach the severity or duration of major depression or mania. Cyclothymic disorder symptoms often mirror those of Bipolar disorder, but the major difference between the categories is the degree of intensity.

Some individuals with symptoms may not fit into a distinct category described above; however, they still experience mood changes. For instance, a person may experience episodes of depression and agitation, but their symptoms are too mild to diagnoses as hypomania or mania. In addition, vulnerable individuals may also experience symptoms as a result of substance abuse.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), an evidence-based treatment, focuses on managing negative thought patterns and behaviors into more positive thinking and behavior patterns.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), an empirically supported treatment, targets mindfulness, emotion dysregulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.

Interpersonal therapy helps you improve the way you relate to others and addresses strain in close relationships, and works to restore a healthy, supportive home environment.