Bipolar Disorder Treatment: Proven Ways to Balance Your Mood

By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy 

What is Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

Bipolar disorder is a severe mental illness characterized by alternating periods of euphoria and depression. Medical treatment, therapy, and behavioral changes all play a role in managing this condition. Mood-stabilizing medications and psychotherapeutic methods are discussed in detail as two of the best treatments for bipolar disorder. We also talk about the common signs of bipolar disorder. These include manic episodes, depressive episodes, and rapid cycling. This way, people can better recognize the symptoms and get help when they need it. People with bipolar disorder can find stability and feel better by learning about treatments and symptoms to watch for.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes significant shifts in mood and energy levels. With the right bipolar disorder treatments and medications, individuals can better manage these changes and lead more balanced lives. Bipolar symptoms usually include manic and depressive episodes. However, each person experiences this condition in their own way. Not everyone goes through both phases. These are the most common signs:

Manic Episode Symptoms:

• Elevated mood means feeling too happy, euphoric, or irritable for a long time.
• Increased Energy: Having more energy than usual and doing more than usual.
• Less need for sleep: feeling rested after a few days of getting very little sleep.
• Racing Thoughts: Ideas come quickly, it’s hard to focus, and you get distracted more easily.
• Impulsivity means doing risky things, like spending too much money, driving too fast, or using drugs.
• Grandiose beliefs mean having a very high opinion of yourself. You might feel invincible or think you are more important than you really are.
• Agitation is a state of restlessness and increased anger.

Rapid cycling is a feature of bipolar disorder. People with this condition have four or more episodes of mania, depression, or both in a year. Bipolar disorder can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. A proper diagnosis, ongoing treatment, and support are key to managing symptoms. They help improve the quality of life for people with bipolar disorder.

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Signs of a Depressive Episode

• Feeling very sad or hopeless for a long time is called persistent sadness.
• Fatigue is a constant feeling of being tired and having no energy.
• Sleep Disturbances: Either experiencing insomnia or oversleeping.
• Loss of Interest: Losing interest in activities once enjoyed, including social withdrawal.
• Trouble focusing: Trouble paying attention, making choices, or remembering things.
• Changes in Appetite: Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in eating patterns.
• Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness: Feeling unworthy or guilty, even about minor issues.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

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Top 5 Bipolar Depression Studies with Insights

Bipolar disorder treatment combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle support to stabilize mood, prevent relapses, and improve daily functioning. Structured programs and evidence-based approaches empower individuals to manage symptoms, build coping skills, and achieve long-term wellness.

How We Level Up Turns Research Into Real Recovery

At our treatment centers, the latest scientific findings on bipolar disorder guide every aspect of care. Our inpatient programs use proven therapies, medication management, family support, and life skills training. This helps us create structured recovery plans that get results. By applying proven strategies from top studies, we help clients stabilize mood, reduce relapse risk, and build lasting wellness.

What This Means for Your Care at We Level Up

These studies highlight an important truth: bipolar disorder responds best to comprehensive, evidence-based care. Structured therapy, medication management, and family support help stabilize mood, improve daily functioning, and reduce relapse risk.

Your plan may include medication, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, life skills support, mind-body therapies, and aftercare planning. Small, consistent steps in a guided inpatient program can lead to lasting progress. Ready to turn research into recovery? Ready to turn evidence into action? Contact We Level Up Treatment Centers for a private, free assessment. We will create a personalized plan tailored to your needs, informed by research.

Bipolar Disorder Treatments Statistics

The average age of onset for bipolar disorder is around 25 years old, affecting about 2.8% of adults worldwide. The average time to get an accurate diagnosis is nearly 10 years because of the high rate of misdiagnosis. The condition appears to be slightly more common in women. Those who suffer from bipolar disorder are more likely to struggle with anxiety and substance abuse. Not taking medication as prescribed is a common issue. Relapse rates are still high, even with effective treatments available. These treatments include medication and therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy. About half of the people with severe episodes need to be hospitalized.

About 15% to 20% of people with bipolar disorder will make a suicide attempt at some point in their lives. Direct medical costs and lost productivity contribute significantly to the financial strain on individuals and society caused by bipolar disorder. The best way to manage bipolar disorder is through early diagnosis and treatment. Support also helps those who suffer from it live better.

Bipolar 1 vs 2: What’s the Difference?

There are two main types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2. Even though both involve mood swings, they are not the same. Bipolar 1 is marked by strong episodes of mania. These episodes can lead to hospitalization and often come with depression. On the other hand, Bipolar 2 is characterized by hypomania, a mild form of mania, and more severe depression.

The two subtypes differ in how strong and long mood swings are, affecting how they are treated. A professional in mental health must make a correct diagnosis to make a treatment plan that works for each person’s unique needs. Understanding the differences between Bipolar 1 and 2 can help people get help faster. This knowledge can also help them manage these complex mood disorders more effectively.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment & Diagnosis

A qualified mental health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist, must do a full evaluation. This helps to see if someone has bipolar disorder. There are several steps to the process:

1. Clinical Interview

The mental health professional speaks with the person to understand their medical and mental health history. They also discuss any mental health issues in the person’s family. The interview also examines the person’s symptoms, how long they have been going on, and how they affect their daily life.

2. Evaluation of Mood

The professional checks the person’s mood patterns. They look for signs of mania, hypomania, or depression. Consideration is given to how long, how bad, and how often these mood swings happen.

3. Differential Diagnosis

The mental health professional distinguishes bipolar disorder from other medical and psychiatric conditions. These conditions may have similar symptoms, like major depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder, or other mood disorders.

4. Medical Evaluation

A physical exam and other tests may be done. This helps to check for any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms.

5. Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnosis follows specific rules in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-5 criteria provide guidelines for identifying manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes. These episodes are needed to diagnose bipolar disorder.

6. Observation and Additional Information

Family members, close friends, or caregivers can share their thoughts. They may talk about the person’s symptoms and behavior. This helps to get a better understanding of them.

7. Duration and Frequency of Episodes

To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, symptoms must last for a while. They should also have occurred in the last few weeks. A manic episode usually lasts at least a week, and a depressive episode lasts at least two weeks.

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Bipolar Disorder Medication

Medication is important for treating bipolar disorder. It helps stabilize mood swings, prevent episodes, and improve overall functioning. Bipolar disorder is treated with several different kinds of drugs:

1. Mood stabilizers

These are the primary medicines used to treat bipolar disorder. Lithium is a mood stabilizer often given to people to stop manic and depressive episodes. Valproate (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are other mood stabilizers.

2. Antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics are used to treat bipolar disorder episodes of mania or mixed mania. They can quickly eliminate manic symptoms and use mood stabilizers for long-term care. Examples include aripiprazole (Abilify), quetiapine (Seroquel), and olanzapine (Zyprexa).

3. Antidepressants

People with bipolar disorder may be given antidepressants to help ease the symptoms of depression. But they are usually used with care because they can cause manic episodes. Antidepressants are often taken with medicines that stabilize the mood to lower this risk.

4. Anxiolytics

Benzodiazepines and other drugs can be used to control anxiety and irritability during manic or depressive episodes. Due to the risk of becoming dependent on them, they are usually only given for a short time.

5. Adjunctive Medications

Some people may benefit from additional medications to help with certain side effects or symptoms. For instance, sleep aids can be used to deal with insomnia caused by mood swings.

We Level Up Inpatient Bipolar Treatment: Bringing Stability Back and Giving People the Tools to Get Better

At We Level Up, we understand the unique challenges people with bipolar disorder face. Our team is dedicated to helping them improve through specialized inpatient treatment. Our inpatient bipolar treatment program offers a safe and structured place for people with severe mood swings. It helps those who need intensive therapy.

1. Personalized Treatment Plans

When a patient arrives, our skilled psychiatric team carefully assesses them. This helps us find the best treatment. We create unique treatment plans for each person. These plans consider their needs, symptoms, and goals. We understand that everyone’s recovery journey is different.

2. Support and care are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at our inpatient facility

Our caring and trained staff are always there to help and care for our patients. This level of care creates a place where patients can heal and get better without being distracted.

3. Medication Management

Our board-certified psychiatrists watch medication schedules closely. They adjust doses as needed to control symptoms better. We use effective medications, like mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, to control mood swings and prevent them from happening again.

4. Therapeutic Interventions

Our inpatient program provides many effective therapies. These include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and both individual and group counseling. These therapies help people understand their illness, learn how to deal with it, and get stronger to handle their symptoms better.

5. Wellness and Life Skills

Our treatment plan includes training in life skills and wellness programs taught by our team of experts from different fields. These are meant to give people the tools and skills to deal with life’s problems, start healthy habits, and improve their overall health.

6. Community and Peer Support

Our inpatient setting promotes peer support. It helps patients feel like they belong to a group. Patients can connect, relate, and grow together in a supportive environment made possible by group therapy and shared experiences.

7. Transition Planning

As a patient’s treatment goes on, we work to make the change from inpatient care to outpatient care as smooth as possible. Our team works closely with patients and their families to make detailed plans for aftercare. This ensures that patients get support and care even after leaving the hospital.

At We Level Up, we help people with bipolar disorder take control of their lives. Our goal is to help them reach their full potential. Our inpatient bipolar treatment program gives people a caring

Bipolar Disorder Treatment FAQs