Bipolar Disorder
Treatment
How we treat Bipolar Disorder
How we change lives
The Initial Consultation
Our process begins with an in-depth consultation so that we may thoroughly understand your specific challenges. During this consult, we assess how we can best support your needs, create your treatment plan and address all of your questions.
This experience will be entirely different from any other treatments you have explored or experienced.
We have a calm and supportive environment where healing happens daily, we offer a life changing experience, and we have treated thousands of clients suffering from bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment Protocol
Our treatment program is specifically designed to treat Bipolar Disorder I and 2 and Cyclothymia.
Though not in the Bipolar family, we also have a very effective treatment plan for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and all other depressions. The treatment plan is non-invasive and there are rarely any negative side effects. It is important to know that the client will not change anything s/he is currently doing as it relates to therapy and medication management.
Our first step is to conduct an intensive consultation to learn how we can best help you to get your life back.
The next step is to get you scheduled and get you moving to a healthier you.
Treatment Progression
We expect, and usually see positive changes starting to develop within the first five sessions. Research indicates that 20-30 sessions are effective for many clients.
The Full Story about Bipolar Disorder
Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults have experienced bipolar disorder within the past year, with the condition affecting men and women equally. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that the average age of onset is 25, although it can occur in teenagers and, less commonly, in children. More than 80% of diagnosed cases are classified as severe.
Bipolar Disorder vs. Manic Depression
The term "manic depression" was historically used to describe what is now known as bipolar disorder. In the 1980s, the name was changed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to "bipolar disorder" to better reflect the condition's characteristics. The previous term, "manic depression," had become stigmatized in popular culture, and its components— "manic" and "depression"—are often used to describe everyday emotions, which contributed to the decision to adopt the more accurate and clinical term, "bipolar disorder."
Recognizing Symptoms and Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder manifests in various forms, each with distinct symptoms:
Bipolar I: Characterized by at least one manic episode, with most individuals also experiencing major depressive episodes.
Bipolar II: Defined by major depressive episodes coupled with hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than full mania.
Cyclothymia: A milder form of bipolar disorder involving alternating periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms for at least two years.
Understanding Manic and Depressive Episodes
Manic Episodes: Lasting at least a week, these episodes involve abnormally elevated or irritable moods, increased energy, and goal-directed activity. Manic episodes may cause severe impairment, require hospitalization, or include psychotic features.
Hypomanic Episodes: These episodes are similar to manic episodes but less intense and shorter in duration, lasting at least four days.
Major Depressive Episodes: Symptoms include a loss of interest in regular activities, significant changes in weight or appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms must persist daily for at least two weeks to be considered a major depressive episode.
Diagnosis Process
The diagnosis of bipolar disorder typically involves a physical exam, a psychiatric evaluation, and tracking of moods and behaviors. While there is no single test for bipolar disorder, blood tests and neuroimaging may be utilized to rule out other conditions. Bipolar symptoms can be challenging to differentiate from those of other disorders, particularly in children and teens, where mood swings may be mistaken for normal developmental changes.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are four main types of bipolar disorder, each distinguished by the pattern and severity of mood episodes:
Bipolar I: The most severe form, involving at least one manic episode and often depressive episodes.
Bipolar II: Characterized by at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode.
Cyclothymia: A milder form with alternating hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not fully meet the criteria for either episode.
Other Specified or Unspecified Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosed when mood elevation does not fit the criteria for the other types but still represents significant, abnormal mood changes.
Cyclothymia vs. Bipolar Disorder
Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, involves less intense mood swings compared to bipolar disorder, with periods of low-grade depression and mild hypomanic symptoms. Unlike the severe mania and major depression of bipolar disorder, cyclothymic symptoms may seem like typical fluctuations in mood but can still significantly impact quality of life.
While some individuals with cyclothymia may choose not to seek treatment, it is important to monitor the condition, as there is a 15-50% risk that it could progress to full-blown bipolar disorder, particularly if there is a family history of the condition.
If you or a loved one are suffering from
scheduling a consultation today to evaluate whether Neurofeedback is the appropriate treatment for your needs.